Samuda offers education, mentorship support to 28-y-o mom of five from Bartons

Sabrina Russell, a victim of teenage pregnancy having had two children before her 17th birthday, recently shared her heart-wrenching story with Old Harbour News, provoking mixed reactions.

• 28-y-o mother with five children highlights ugly truth of teenage pregnancy

Samuda is however among those who offered to assist the Bartons district resident regardless of the negative comments.

The businessman turn politician said: “Kids are a blessing I must say. It's however unfortunate that she is 28 years old and mother of five children without a liveable income or skill to earn.

“I would want to get her enrol into HEART Trust so she can achieve a skill. I will also find a mentor for her. Mentorship can help her to realise her full potential. In addition to mentorship I will assist her with taxi fare and lunch each school day.”

Samuda is a native of Old Harbour North, a largely mountainous region consisting of Bartons and other communities. He’s also councillor candidate for the People’s National Party (PNP) Old Harbour North Division and has been doing a lot of ground work in the division since his ascension to the position over two years ago.

“I do understand that she wants the house to fix but if I do not position her to earn she will be coming back,” added the Kaluga Kafe boss. “Self-reliance is key to building a better community.”

Prior to the publication of her story, Samuda admitted he did not know of Russell personally but noted that several similar stories exist in the northern hills. He has since reached out to her via telephone and intends to visit the home in short order.

“She is open to what I am willing to offer her,” he disclosed to Old Harbour of the conversation they had. “She is interested in house-keeping but I will suggest to her to let the assigned mentor help with guiding her on the skill she chooses.”

In a polarised society such, critics of Samuda’s intervention to aid Russell’s situation will certainly make the argument that his action is purely politically motivated.

However, he was quick to point to his track record in philanthropy before venturing into the political arena.

“As a business man I believe in honouring my corporate social responsibilities within the community I operate business and reside,” he said. “I have been giving back to the community since 2015. I have given scholarships, I have done numerous work with the Sunbeam Boys Home, there are many. Most of my corporate social responsibilities surround youth empowerment because I believe they are the future and as a business leader I must do my part in positioning youth to be future leaders and achieve self-independence.”