The Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre launched a “Big Brother Mentorship
Programme on Wednesday 5th April, 2023 at the Centre in Largo Height and with
eleven mentors taking on the responsibility of providing guidance to boys at the
institution for at-least one year.
The goal of the programme is to support the healthy development of residents by
addressing their psychological needs thereby reducing risks factors of negative
behaviours.
Minister of National Mobilisation Hon. Orando Brewster, urged the lads to “take
the programme seriously” and to not see themselves as victims, but individuals
with ‘great potential and purpose.’ Minister Brewster thanked the eleven mentors
for participating in the programme while encouraging other individuals to come on
board to help provide mentorship for the boys.
The launch of the Big Brother Mentorship Programme coincided with activities to
commemorate Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention month in April, under the
theme: “You have the power to create a better future for us the children, treat us
well.” Director of Child Development Division, Jemma Alexander said the Big
Bother Programme is tailored to providing “supportive mentorship relationships toboys at the Centre.” Alexander said a mentor is a ‘role model that a mentee can
talk to and share experiences with.’
Featured speaker at the ceremony, Legal Officer at the General Employees Co-
operative Credit Union (GECCU) J-Lany Williams, congratulated the organisers
within the Ministry of National Mobilisation for initiating the ‘Big Brother
Mentorship Programme.’ Williams said the mentorship will help break the stigma
associated with young men being underachievers, by giving them support as they
embark on a journey to become outstanding citizens.
The Liberty Lodge Boys Training Centre offers activities in farming (poultry and
agriculture), craft and other skill-based initiatives.
The mentors who have signed on to be a part of the programme are: Able-body
Seaman Bobb of and Chief Petty Officer – Edwin Durrant of the RSVG Coast
Guard, Constable Elroy Quammie and Corporal Roderick John of the RSVG
Police Force, Ari Shaw – Teacher at the St. Martins Secondary School, Kamiel
James – Farmer, Ashené Peters – Entrepreneur, Adrian Dole – Barrister-at-law, J-
lany Williams – Barrister-at-law and Legal Officer – GECCU, Pastor Dexter Kirby
from the Grace Community Baptist Church, and Keith Williams – Entrepreneur.