Jamaica's boys need 'rescue mission'

The Right Reverend Alfred Reid is appealing for a new and effective "rescue mission" for the nation's young male population.

Reid, who is the Anglican Lord Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, said yesterday that far too many young men are joining gangs or getting involved in other questionable activities.

In addition, he said young men are disproportionately represented in the island's prisons or could be found on street corners idling.

"Young females, at this time, would appear to have more personal ambition than the boys," Reid said during the annual Founder's Day service held yesterday for The Jamaican Scout movement at the Kingston Parish Church in downtown Kingston.

The service also marked the centenary of The Scout Association of Jamaica.

"I hope this centenary will signal the revival of a new and effective rescue mission for the young men of our nation," added Reid.

He said a survey of the country's male population has underscored the importance of the Scout movement.

"It is needed today more than (it was) 100 years ago," he said.

The country's first Scout movement started in Kingston 100 years ago to help develop character and discipline among young men.