-youths defying the odds to change community’s reputation

WHENEVER someone speaks of the community of Agricola, he/she automatically thinks of crime and anything negative that comes to mind.

However, two young men, 17-year-old Kevin Freeman, an aspiring soldier and 22-year-old Shamar Roberts, both residents of Agricola, have decided to find work with a contractor who was hired to carry out works on the community’s playfield to make whatever little difference that can be made.

Recently, the Government has embarked on a community developmental project in Agricola which has seen the reconstruction of several internal roads in the area to provide better accessibility to the residents and persons traversing the area.
Besides the works carried out on the roadways, works are currently being done, as stated above, at the community’s playfield to create a safe haven for the youths, especially the young men in the community.

When the Guyana Chronicle visited the work site, this publication met two promising young men, who made use of their spare time by rendering their assistance to the carpenters who are currently fencing the playfield to make it more secure for the community.
Speaking with this publication, one of the young men, Kevin Freeman, related that he was looking for work temporarily and decided to render his assistance, since Agricola is his home.

He added, that most times when people speak of Agricola it’s always something negative. However, he noted that, many success stories can come from the community and he intends to be one. He stated that he recently completed his secondary education and intended to pursue a career in the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) to serve and protect his country.

However, he stated, further, that he had some free time and decided to occupy his time working on the community project since it would benefit him and other young men like himself.

While, Freeman is not yet eligible to vote, he applauded the current coalition Government for its initiative to invest in rural communities like Agricola to ensure that youths, especially the young men who are often misled by the demons of crime and violence, are given an opportunity to change the outcome of their lives and their future.

Meanwhile, Shamar Roberts noted that, with the completion of the playfield, he believed the community would see a decrease in crime, since young men would spend more time playing and practising for football and other sports and less time looking for mischief.
With the change in environment, he added, there has also been a change in attitude among the youths in the community.

Minister within the Ministry of Presidency with Responsibility for Youth Affairs stated that, in order for the youths in rural communities like Agricola to blossom, they need to first see a change in their environment and also opportunities for self-development.

“I really love young people and even in communities like Agricola persons had so much to say about Agricola. I came in Agricola, I went first corner, second corner, third corner, I talk with them in their space in their language, I sit down with them, they need support, they need change in the environment and support in terms of facility,” she stated.

The Minister added that, she has spoken with a coach in the area who has indicated that he will be training young athletes who attend both Primary and Secondary Schools. The Minister also related that the contractor who was working on fencing the football field indicated that he would be employing a few of the young men who had decided to assist in the rehabilitation of the football field.