A group of unemployed men from St Michael Central are receiving paid training and practical work experience through a new community programme aimed at creating pathways to long-term jobs and improving conditions for elderly and disabled residents.
The “What De Bush Programme”, spearheaded by area MP Tyra Trotman, is designed to provide temporary work and hands-on experience while supporting vulnerable residents in the community.
“We realised that there are some young persons out there who may have skills but not necessarily getting the opportunity,” she said. “Sometimes… they don’t have the job experience to show when an employer is advertising.”
The programme currently engages participants three days a week, offering both income and practical exposure. “We came up with a transitionary type of situation… we don’t expect them to be here forever, but we would hope then that we can go ahead and place them… into something more permanent,” she explained.
Beyond employment, the initiative also targets social needs within the constituency.
“We’re really trying to target the homes of the elderly as well as the disabled… persons who may not be able to afford a gardener,” she said. “We are giving young men opportunity, but also… assist those vulnerable persons… to help clean around the surrounding of their homes.”
The programme was also a direct response to calls for more opportunities for young men: “The question was, ‘So what about the men?’… well, this is what we are doing… one step towards the right direction.”
Participants were also exposed to technical training during the session, led by Servall Inc representatives Arlington Bushelle and Victor Joseph, who demonstrated the proper use and maintenance of equipment.
“We are here to demonstrate the use of these weed whackers… we will go through everything that you need to know,” Arlington Bushelle said. “Anything that you need to know, we are here to assist you.”
He stressed the importance of proper handling and maintenance: “The mixture for this is gas and oil… you should only be using the high performance oil,” while also cautioning, “Do not operate the machine without the guard… the guard is here for a reason.”
Trotman revealed that while the programme currently supports 11 participants, there is still room for expansion. “We do have three more spaces available… for young persons who are unemployed and are from St Michael Central.”
She also called on the public to support the initiative financially. “The more funds we have, the longer the programme can run… if you are out there and you want to do something good… you can donate.”
The programme is expected to officially roll out operations later next week, with organisers hoping it will serve as a bridge to sustainable employment while improving conditions for residents across St Michael Central.
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