Sport gear donation continues to boost Jacklow youths

– establishment of a health centre

By Neola Damon

DPI, Guyana, Monday, June 3, 2019

More than 45 young people of the Jacklow community, Upper Pomeroon River will soon benefit from the distribution of sport gear and equipment.

Speaking with the Department of Public Information (DPI), during the ‘Government comes to you’ outreach on May 29 at Damon Square, Essequibo Coast, resident Ulics Austin said that this effort will help to build the character of the young people within the community.

“My purpose today is to simply to speak with the minister and those in charge to see what can be done for the youths in my community. The youths in my community are very hardworking, they are into agriculture among other activities but the need for sport activities is a must,” Austin explained.

Following her discussion with the Director of Sport, Christopher Jones, the community will receive volleyball, circle tennis and football gear as soon as possible. However, the cricket gear and equipment will be provided at a later date, according to the resident.

This will, in turn, help to boost the community’s youth organisation’s aim to promote youth empowerment through sport, training and education. Established in 2012, this organisation has approximately 60 members and intends to attract more youths to participate socially, culturally and through sport to organise tournaments.

Austin spotlighted that she has visited other ministerial booths to become more aware of the opportunities available to the young people within the community. This, she said, will assist in her vision to create well-rounded individuals in keeping with the Coalition Government’s commitment.

In addition to this, the resident hopes to engage with relevant heads of department to help to establish a community health centre in her community.

“We are nowhere close to the public hospitals in this region and so, on many occasions, those who may get ill or in need of dire medical assistance is unable to access such. The community has an available building that can be used as a health centre and while it is small, it is an alternative option for the residents’ betterment,” Austin explained.

Image: the Department of Public Information