Wisroc Policing Youth Group reaping success from agro-processing venture
─ young people to soon commence fruit juices initiative
─ young people testify that youth group changed their lives, keeping them off the streets
─ youth groups to be formed in every policing district in ‘E’ Division
DPI, Guyana, Monday, May 13, 2019
The youth of Wisroc Police Youth Group in Linden are currently engaged in an agro-processing project. They are reaping the financial benefits, and at the same time, it is furnishing them with life skills needed to become self-employed.
The 34 members, between the ages of 15-20, are currently processing and packaging green seasoning and pepper sauce. These commodities are being sold in their communities even as they seek markets in Georgetown, given the rave reviews received.
The group of young people manages the entire process; from planting the raw materials to packaging the products, then marketing.
They plant thyme, and other green local herbs on a plot of land acquired in Block 22, Linden. The herbs are then blended with onion, garlic and ginger to create the perfect concoction of natural products, that any housewife would long for, to marinade meat, fish and other foods. They also make pepper sauce with all-natural ingredients.
Police stations and community shops serve as primary markets. The products are also at fairs and exhibitions on display where patronage is received. Since the commencement of the project, much work has been carried out in improving the packaging and presenting same to supermarket owners in Georgetown.
Secretary of the group, Zeekhariah Williams said that the project has exposed young people to an essential life skill – farming. “It teaches us how to farm not just to farm one day and stop but to continue so you can always have produce to make the items.” Encouraged by the success, the youth group will soon commence a fruit juice venture and is optimistic that this too will create a growing clientele.
In addition to the agro-processing, the group of young people also get exposure from other social and educational exercises such as camping, marching and impromptu speaking which aim to build their self-esteem.
Williams said that joining the group is one of his best choices in life as it has transformed and improved his entire persona. He also sees it as a means of keeping the youth off the streets, especially those who opt to engage in unproductive activities such as drinking, smoking and gambling which often lead to petty crimes. “Before I joined this youth group, I was this quiet, shy person and now since I have joined it, I have become more opened. I find it easier to talk to people and calmer, and in this way, I am able to get more friends and it helped me in certain life skills such as farming.”
Similarly, President of the group, Jamal Moseley said, “I learnt how to speak out, do public speeches and not just keep to myself, I learnt to interact with youths, to do motivational speeches.”
Supervising the group is Commander of ‘E’ Division Senior Superintendent, Linden Lord, who is giving the young people his full support which he believes is encouraging better individuals in society. It has been a motivational experience for him, seeing the success of this one group. Plans are underway to establish a similar group in every district where there is a police station present. “Basically, when you get the youth meaningfully employed, there is generally a lower crime rate because they are now doing something constructive with their time,” he said.
The Senior Superintendent often visits the districts and holds chats with young people who have not yet joined and encourages them to do so.
Story and Images: Vanessa Braithwaite.