More than $200,000 in criminal proceeds has been handed out to community projects.

The “cash back for communities” initiative led to five groups — North Village Community Club, Pembroke Hamilton Club, Team Street Safe, Focus Counselling and Family Centre — being presented with cheques yesterday.

Michael Dunkley, together with Senator Jeff Baron and Wayne Scott, the Minister of Community, Culture and Sport, were on hand to make the presentations at North Village’s Bernard Park residence.

“Today we mark a milestone in the effort of so many people and organisations around the Island who are committed to addressing the social consequences of gang violence and antisocial behaviour,” the Premier said. “The Government promised to support these efforts.

“It started with our election campaign pledge in 2012 to create a ‘cash back for communities’ initiative where we could put the proceeds of crime seized by Police back into communities.

“There are many demands on the public purse and it is impossible for the Government to meet every request for financial support.

“However, the people elected us to find solutions to the needs of the community. We promised a means by which to channel funds into areas affected by gang violence and harmed by crime. Today we make that promise a reality.”

North Village and PHC were presented with cheques for $24,000 each, while Team Street Safe and Focus Counselling Services received $33,000 each.

Family Centre was handed a cheque for $100,000 to help with its work in the community.

Commissioner Michael DeSilva told The Royal Gazette that recent amendments to the Proceeds of Crime Act had provided police with more scope to seize ill-gotten gains.

“The whole point of these amendments has been to take low level bites out of the criminal network,” he said. “The message is clear; we will seize cash that has been illegally received.

“And through this initiative it will be put back into the community to help those who need it most.”

Martha Dismont from the Family Centre said: “This money means that more families will be able to receive critical counselling services. The number of individuals who are struggling with traumatic issues and issues relating to unemployment and the recession is increasing.

“And this money will help us meet that growing need in the community.”

While Jonathan Ball. president of PHC, added: “We definitely appreciate this presentation and it will be invested back into the community through our football, cricket, netball and softball programmes.

“This will help us continue our positive impact on the Island.”