Rasbert Turner, Star Writer

Entertainer Patrick 'Tony Rebe' Barrett says he is personally leading the charge to help and save troubled youths in society.

"I personally believe that it does not matter where you are from, with proper guidance and determination you can make it," Barrett said.

Barrett, who was the guest speaker at the launch of the Jones Avenue Cadet Corps on Sunday, said he is pleased with the Community Safety and Security initiative. Jones Avenue is located in Spanish Town, St Catherine.

Senior Superintendent James Forbes said he was very pleased that the community has embraced the social initiative.

"This is something great as in these communities, there are criminals who are also doing their recruitment. However, I know these youths can only be better in joining the cadets," Forbes said.

He implored the 100 youths to be good ambassadors of change, as they are the future.

Special Corporal Fabian McKnight said the group started with 12 youths, and has now reached 100.

"We realise that since we started working with these youths, their grades have improved. There has been an improvement in schoolwork and general behaviour, " McKnight said.

He said it was good that the community was now being rewarded for positive changes.

"It is a blessing for us as I never know that the day would come when my son would start to behave properly. We thank the police for the help," Daisy Mason said.