Despite being a relatively new institution, the Pocket Rocket Boxing Gym (PRBG), is regarded as one of the leading institutions in Berbice and it came as no surprise when officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs recently visited that organization and donated more than $300,000 worth of boxing equipment towards the continued development of the pugilists of that entity.
The function was held at the Ministry of Sports Annex building, New Amsterdam, and was orchestrated through its Citizen Security Programme under the auspices of the regional administration and funded by the International Development Bank (IDB). Items consisted of skipping ropes, boxing gloves, head guards, punching bags, mitts, wrapping bandages, mouth guards and a speed ball complete with the rack among other equipment.
Several important officials witnessed the ceremony including Regional Chairman, David Permaul Armogan, Berbice parliamentary representative, Dr. Vishwanauth Mahadeo and Regional Sport representative, Eli Hazel.
Dr. Mahadeo lauded the work of administrators while noting the tangibility of their efforts. He noted that the boxers utilizing the services of the institution were gainfully occupied and likely to stay out of trouble. “Their involvement in illegal activity could be counter-productive and the PRBG could negate such behaviour and guide them on the right path,” exhorted the parliamentary representative.
Founder and coach of the PRBG, Orlando ‘Pocket Rocket’ Rogers was grateful for the gift and expressed deep gratitude to his benefactors. “Our boxers intend to reward you by winning their respective bouts,” he assured. The coach also drew attention to the successes of three of his best charges, Richard and Joel Williamson and Jamal Eastman, all remarkable talent emerging from his gym.
Rogers subsequently relayed the pain and disappointment experienced by Berbicians following the omission of Richard Williamson to the just concluded Olympic Box off in Brazil.
He underlined the fact that most of his charges are from depressed and poverty stricken communities in Berbice yet rose from those unfortunate situations to stake a place among other law abiding citizens. He further called on the authorities to demonstrate a keener sense of nationalism and extend support to the youths by supporting their educational endeavours, and in other cases, providing jobs for those youth that are out of work.