Don’t be blind to Agricola

May 25, 2011 Letters

Dear Editor,
I set about penning this letter because I am burdened by the fact that although the community in which I reside is making strides for the better, it would appear that no one notices.
Agricola, better known and advertised for the place it used to be, is now a place of peace. Violence seems to be a thing of the past. Unfortunately we have not had substantial coverage for the good that currently exists in this great community of ours and for the many persons who have been doing all they could to keep us on the rise.
The Rome Athletics Club lays claims to being the longest serving social and sporting entity that is still extremely alive and active, working assiduously to function and fellowship with our youths of every race, gender, religious and political attachments.
The leader, Mr Owen John, is a product of this township. Every morning from as early as 5:30 am the youths can be heard doing their jogs, sprints and on the spots exercises with the guidance of this community-minded citizen, along with his son, Fabio, and friend Mark Whyte. They have produced national champions especially in the Table Tennis arena.
Then we have the “Agricola Restoration Association” headed by Mr Christopher Rockcliffe with tremendous support from Mr Welton Clarke. These men have done wonders with very little. One example is the erection of a bleacher at the Evan Phillips Park, Agricola Playfield. They completely re-laid the ground and rolled it, making it fit and ready for the youths to use for games such as football, cricket etc.
This group is in the process of raising funds to build a multi purpose hall for the purpose of training of youths in the neighborhood. Those working behind the scenes are too numerous to mention. Of course they had the support of some members of the business community.
The Community Development Council is just under two years old and had a number of setbacks but continues to vigorously and passionately work towards the improved lives of all and sundry in this community.
There is an active Community Action Council supported byfrom the Citizens Security Programme, Ministry of Home Affairs and the IDB. Last April, 34 youths graduated from training in Garment Construction, Cosmetology and Welding. Some have already secured jobs as a result of the opportunity given to them.
It must be noted that this programme targets school drop-outs.
Another batch of 68 is now on board to be trained in the areas of Catering, Garment Construction, Cosmetology, Welding and soon Electrical Installation, Information Technology and craft, we are sure that our youths have been receptive to this new opportunity by their very participation.
We have the churches. When nothing was being done the churches were there, they have never ceased or shirked their responsibilities to work with all and sundry.
The police have been playing their part in educating our youths for their future. A steel pan yard is now being established by the ARA with the donation of pans by Mr Stanley Ming.
Our roads have been done, most of our street lamps are in good working order
It would be nice and will be appreciated if our media houses, print as well as electronic, would be quick to give substantial coverage to the good of our community even more than they have given to the violence that we have experienced during the past.
It would be good for you, Mr Editor, to see for yourself.
Ivan John (Bishop)

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