THE New Opportunity Corps (NOC) has, over the years, received negative criticism in the press and from the public. However, there is need for the good stories to be told. This was the premise on which Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCYS), Dr. Frank Anthony, and special guest Hugh Ross based their remarks at the annual luncheon held at the NOC.

Held yesterday, the luncheon was attended by senior managers of the MCYS and representatives from the Region 2 Administration and from UNICEF and CUSO.

At the start of his address, the Minister stated that the Ministry is keen on ensuring that the stay of inmates at the NOC is fulfilling. “While here, we want to empower you so that when you leave you are better than when you came,” he said.

The minister highlighted that there are many successful people who have passed through the NOC. He recalled meeting some of those persons. In this regard he emphasised the need for the positives of the NOC to be highlighted.

Anthony also indicated his satisfaction with the students who performed at the recent Drama Festival, where they raked in a number of individual accolades, including Best Actor and Best Actress. The Minister expressed appreciation to the mentors who worked with the students, and indicated his expectation of another outstanding performance by the students at the next Drama Festival.

The minister told the students that, regardless of their past, they are in control of their future. He challenged them to think about what they would like to do in the future, and to work towards achieving it.

“If you don’t have an objective you can’t achieve, but having an objective will see you making a difference in yourself,” he said. The MCYS is willing to offer whatever assistance is needed. “So it’s not beyond you…anyone who wants to do better, we are here for you, and that’s why the institution was set up,” Minister Anthony declared.

While speaking to the staff, the Minister encouraged them not to give up. “We are tough enough to shoulder the criticism…that must not kill the spirit of what you do,” Anthony exhorted.
He also recognised that many members of staff were there because of their passion to help the youths.

While interacting with the students, Ross shared his upbringing and his career, which started with him first being a teacher, a nurse, a bank teller, and then a member of the Guyana Defence Force. He noted that he was very interested in being a part of the military, and he held several posts, including Commander of Camp Tacama, Commanding Officer of Recruitment and Special Forces, and a paratrooper in the Air Corps.

Mr. Ross is now serving in the law enforcement department in New York.
Hugh Ross is popular for his body building skills, which he views as a hobby. He has never used any performance enhancement products.

He has represented Guyana and the USA at international body building competitions, and has won high acclaim at each such representation. In light of his achievements, he told the students that there is no reason why they cannot achieve similar accolades and exceed those he has.

Ross emphasised that the students should not be depressed about being at the NOC, but should see it as an opportunity for them to empower themselves.

Region 2 (Pomeroon/Supenaam)Chairman Parmanand Persaud, in his remarks, noted that the Region is committed to offering support to the NOC. He added that the students of the NOC have been a big support at the national celebrations held in the Region.

Persaud encouraged the students to learn as much as they could while at the institution, so that in the future they could be self-employed.

He noted that the RDC is looking at engaging the students at the NOC in farming and cattle rearing. In this regard, a bulldozer would be made available to clear the land at the back of the institution. (GINA)