The future of the community’s youth

By Faith Greene
ALBOUYSTOWN is one of Guyana’s most well-known communities, and not because of the positives which surround it, but because of the negative representation it has received over the years. While many people may identify Albouystown by what they’ve heard about it, the residents of the community say different.

To them, Albouystown is home and has so much potential for more positive to take place. They see it as an area where good people reside, but the community is what it is due to poor choices and the negative impacts of the environment they have to live in.

This sadly is the case with many youths of Albouystown. There is no guidebook to teach them how they can change their story, and the stories of other children in their community.

Residents of the community are very much open to change, but many have shared the need for policymakers to not just base changes for the community without visiting it and speaking with residents and trying to understand them.

Albouystown has produced many athletes who have gone on to represent our nation on stages worldwide. Just a few years ago for example, Keevin Allicock – an Albouystown native- represented Guyana in Boxing on the international stage at the Tokyo Olympics, 2021, made a name for himself in a positive way.

Residents of the community recognise the need for in-depth programmes like the Guyana National Service, which was discontinued in the 2000s, in a community like theirs where a youth is lost to the negative influences that surround him/her.

The reintroduction of this, or programmes like it, where the provision of much-needed skills training and attitudes youths need today could enable them to pursue several different career paths and contribute positively to their communities and overall, the country.

Furthermore, Albouystown is a thriving community.

A Budding, Untapped Tourist Trap
Throughout the entire layout of Albouystown are small and large businesses ranging from boutiques to restaurants and much more.

Some residents expressed the need for more to be done to develop the community from within. A resident of the community pointed out that there are some deteriorated and abandoned buildings in the community that should be demolished. This, he said, can pave the way for more modern homes to be built, which could then be sold or rented out to persons who will maintain its value and set new standards in the community.

Additionally, the rehabilitation of the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), building in the community for youth-related activities is yet to be addressed, and is something residents look forward.

The recently upgraded Independence Boulevard, (which was also called, ‘Punt Trench Dam’) has since given that section of the community a brighter, friendlier look and has definitely increased the value and potential of the community. It is part of the ongoing Albouystown Beautification Project aimed at improving the prospects of the community and President Irfaan Ali has said that the project is designed to uplift the lives of residents.

Residents have repeatedly said how pleased they were during the construction phase of the project, and now that it is completed they wasted no time in using their enhanced space, compliments of the government of Guyana.