St James youth on positive path after USAID programme

There was a point in his life that Glendevon native, Sammaire Petgrave, felt as if the walls were closing in on him.

The 25-year-old said he was faced with the choice of joining the gang or changing course during a period of active war in his community. His decision, he said, was greatly influenced after meeting Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, who visited his war-torn community in 2022.

"Dr Chang saw four of us in the lane [and] he asked why this (the feud) is going on, and I approached him, because a lot of persons look from a distance and just assume and judge but never really come inside to ask what's really going on," he stated.

He said the minister introduced him to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded FHI360 initiative during that interaction.

"I always hear a lot of persons say they can feel when death is close to them and at that moment, I feel like I was getting close and I made the decision to try the programme," Petgrave said.

The FHI360 initiative is aimed at preventing youth from engaging in crime and violence. It involves the provision of vocational training and psychosocial support.

Petgrave began the process of becoming a licensed commercial truck driver, but dropped out of the certification process due to a lack of funds for his transportation to classes, among other factors. However, he said that the life skills training to which he was exposed helped him to remain on a positive path.

He currently works in housekeeping at the Hyatt Zilara Resort in Montego Bay.

"It has helped me, and it helps a lot of persons in the community, and we have been going strong. At the hotel, I have become one of the best agents. Sometimes with a helping hand and a listening ear, anything is possible," he stated.