Ross villager pushes youth development

By Michel Outridge

ROSS Village Community Leader Janice Whyte is doing her part to enhance the lives of youths in her community by making it possible for them to have a ballfield, a basketball court with lights and a park for gymkhana activities.
She said the ground is often used for various sports activities hosted by villagers within the community and outsiders. Most of the activities are gymkhana, football, and cricket.
The newly built community centre which remains unopened will host many events for residents.
Whyte told the Pepperpot Magazine that the community centre will be used as a Training Centre for skills training programmes for less fortunate women and youths.

In addition, she disclosed that they will also provide seedlings to farmers in the community as a form of assistance.
Whyte added that they have in-stream plans to organise programmes for environmental preservation as well as, uplifting the societal aspect of members and community, used as an Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) hub for youths and schoolchildren and a meeting place for senior citizens.
She reported that the ground is often used for various sports activities hosted by villagers within the community and outsiders.

Whyte stated that the ground is also being used by youths of seven surrounding villages, which spans from Tempe to Kingelly.

She disclosed that it provides entertainment for about 400 youth between the ages of 12 to 25 years old.

Early history

Giving a brief history about the village, Whyte said Ross is located about 81 kilometres from the city and sits between Brahn and Yeoville on the West Coast of Berbice.
“Ross holds a special place in the hearts of those who grew up here,” she said.
Whyte added that Ross Village has been in existence for a long time. The village, originally called Plantation Ross, was where the cotton plantations thrived; plantain suckers were said to be planted on a large scale, as well. A Scottish man by the name of John Sutherland was one of the overseers.

Most of the residents are related in one way or another, making it a big family of villagers.
“What is outstanding about Ross is the quietness of the people/residents… they are friendly and sharing. Everybody looks out for each other. The community is close-knit and [everybody] live as one and the cooperation here beats that of the other villages around,” she said.

The community leader related that most of the people thrive on rice-farming, cash crops, cattle and poultry-rearing.

While some men work in the interior, others are teachers, nurses, environmental officers, soldiers/police officers, engineers and financial analysts.
“The difference between Georgetown and Ross is that when you run out of something you can get it from your neighbour. They are always willing to help you. People give away excess fruits and vegetables,” she said.

Musicians of Ross Village
Ross Village is synonymous with famous musicians such as saxophonist Courtney Fadlin and singer Patrick Gonsalves.

Inspired by his father, Jethro Fadlin Sr., (an acclaimed musician in the Caribbean) as a young boy Courtney would watch his father at various performances. It wasn’t too long after his tutelage began, Janice said.

Whyte pointed out that the flute, sax and clarinet are Courtney’s present instruments of choice; however, the piano and the steel pan (aka steel drums) are part of his musical background.

Composing, producing and arranging are among his various musical skills, she reported.
Whyte added that over the years, Courtney has shared the stage with the likes of Ben Tankard, Hubert Powell, Melba Moore, Culture (Jamaican Reggae Band), and Legendary drummer Louie Bellson, to name a few.