part in the fight against crime -- by getting the Island's youth off the street and back into church.

Speaking at a public meeting organised by the Western Consultative Committee at St. Mary's Church in Warwick, Mrs. Swan said that many of today's teenagers were neglecting to go to church and, as a result, were being preyed upon by drug dealers.

"We have got to get the young people back into the churches,'' Mrs. Swan said. "Here we are in St. Mary's Church and I am disappointed that there are not many church leaders here.

"The church, especially in the black community is the nucleus of the family -- people who pray together stay together. It creates a certain amount of spiritual togetherness which is sometimes lacking in the community.

"Some churches are thriving but there are a lot of situations where people don't go to church anymore. There may be sports organisations which are holding events at the same time which clash.'' Sen. Swan said churches in Warwick had a lot of congregations and people should be encouraged to bring their children and grandchildren.

"A lot of teenagers are opting not to go to church which is a shame. Churches have outreach programmes and they have a knack of speaking to people one to one with people. I think we should develop these outreach programmes.

"I know that a lot of inmates in Westgate discover their faith. I think everyone can be converted -- I never give up on any soul.'' Sen. Yvette Swan CRIME CRM