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Richardson plays competitive cricket for both his college and the Demolition cricket team in Brooklyn, New York. He said he intends to use the opportunities he is garnering in an effort to assist youths in The Ancient County of Berbice, primarily through sports.
“I went to school and worked briefly in Guyana, so I am aware of the enormous talent that my countrymen and women possess, and therefore I am undertaking to carve out avenues and opportunities for them,” he said.
Richardson is very determined to achieve his goal of lending valuable support to his fellow countrymen and women. He hails from New Amsterdam, and is an Upper Junior at his college. He has embarked on establishing a business which seeks to use the proceeds towards providing what he dubbed as the tools to the success of his countrymen’s educational pursuits. He has recently committed himself towards securing laptops, among others things, to aid in bolstering the educational lives of the young sports men and women.
Richardson noted that a number of Guyanese students who are also studying at the same college have given him assurance that they would help him in achieving his dream of securing major opportunities for talented sportsmen and women from Berbice. “This is not just geared towards helping those that have talent, but also providing the required help so as to further boost them holistically. So discipline, commitment, dedication and determination are key to the success,” he said.
The Technology intern with the Department of Education through the Research Foundation expressed the view that a number of talented sportsmen and women from Guyana have the ability to make it really big, but the required support and opportunities are not there, thus resulting in a continued decline of performance.
Richardson said that many times it is the lack of financial and other critically important necessities that results in poor performances. He stressed that should others come forward and make a meaningful contribution, it would help all concerned.
“I have a deep sense of appreciation for sports, so whatever I can do to help the young boys and girls living in Berbice I will. I am fully cognisant that many times, all that is needed is someone with a little faith and belief, who is willing to spend a few dollars, and a star is born,” he stressed, adding, “The difficulty and the reality is that I am still studying. I am committing to making whatever meaningful contribution I can towards making the dreams of at least one person a reality.”
Giving an insight into his life before attending Medgar Evers College, Richardson disclosed that he worked for the Ministry of Labour in Guyana as a technology teacher, a project of the then President Jagdeo. He declared that his dream is to become a computer engineer, adding that he intends to continue playing cricket, where he currently plays as an all rounder.
This young man, who has been made head alternate at the approximately 8000-student population college, said he has special interest in wireless technologies and robotics. This, he said, has fuelled his interest in having a desire to one day start his own business with the experience that he has gained both in the classroom and in the work environment. “At the moment, I am gaining both in terms of classroom and work experience, and some day, I intend to start my own business, which would further help me, iron, contributing to the holistic development of my country’s young sportsmen and women,” he said.
Expressing his thanks to God and his family, the young college student, who currently tutors high school children math at the Medgar Evers High School (Algebra), noted that it is their continuing support, assistance and help, and the blessings of God that have enabled him to achieve the many things that he has thus far achieved. Regarded by officials of the school as a potential public figure in years to come, Richardson secured the most votes over the other 21 students elected to the Student Government Association. He declared shortly after his reelection that, come next year, he intends to run for the presidency, and will collaborate with other Guyanese students so as to organise financial and other support geared at helping youths, especially in Berbice, in a more meaningful way. “The (youths) at home need our support and I believe that if at least 1000 persons can come together and contribute at least 100.00 USD that will be 100,000.00 USD, which we all know can and will make a big difference in achieving the dreams and goals of so many,” he declared.
Stressing the important role social organisations and institutions plays in moulding youths, Richardson pointed out that he is the product of a special institution, the church in his community that sought to ensure he followed the straight and narrow path. “I am forever grateful and thankful to my church and its members, who took me in as a child, watched me grow, and afforded me my first glimpse (of responsibility) as a youth leader both as a spiritual and a Pathfinder Director. I would like to mention Philadelphia and Mizpah SDA church, as it was the teaching and guidance given to me that has helped me to be who I am today,” a smiling Richardson said.
Richardson is scheduled to graduate in the fall of 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a minor in Public Administration. He currently boasts a GPA of 3.3.
Among the achievements that young Richardson has had since entering Medgar Evers College are that he has worked with a Canadian company to bring a mobile App on MEC Campus call OOHLALA, He is the current chair of the MEC SGA Scholarship Committee, which has thus far awarded over $9000 in scholarship to students. He has also attended the BEYA Conference in Washington DC 2013, Dean of the School of Science list ward 2012 and is the current Medgar Evers Student Ambassador.
