Christmas comes early for NOC

Dec 13, 2014 News

The residents of the New Opportunity Corps, at Onderneeming, Essequibo Coast, were

Minister Frank Anthony being escorted by the masquerade parade as he entered the New Opportunity Corps Compound.

treated to a special lunch to usher in the festive season of Christmas, yesterday. The event was hosted by the Institution in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, and his delegation which included Permanent Secretary, Alfred King; Assistant Director of Youth, Brian King; Mr. Universe, Hugh Ross; and Regional Chairman, Parmanand Persaud joined the residents at lunch.
They were treated to a variety of delicious meals. The residents also took that opportunity to also interact with the Minister.
Before the commencement of the lunch, there was the handing over of a brand new steel pan set to the inmates and staff by Minister Frank Anthony. A cultural programme featuring items of songs and poems followed.
During his address, Minister Frank Anthony, first encouraged the residents to work hard and to ensure that their stay at the juvenile facility proves successful. He said that his Ministry and the staff of NOC are there to lend moral support, especially in the form of counseling whenever needed by those residents who want to do better.
Anthony reminded the residents that irrespective of their varying backgrounds and more importantly the circumstances that would have led them to being sent to the institution, these should not be deterrents.
Those circumstances should not prevent them from being able to empower themselves and acquire a skill which would in the future afford them employment in some form when they would have completed their stay at the Institution.
“Make a ‘positive’ of your current situation.”
Dr. Anthony said that they can learn from their past by being in control of what future they plan for themselves.”Have a projection for life; put an objective and work towards that vision.”
Support also came from the Region Two Administration.
Gifts were distributed to staff members and to those students who are attending school and who would have excelled academically.
The Juvenile facility has a kitchen garden, engages in poultry rearing and garment construction as well as furniture making.