RUBIS has stepped in to assist the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARD Center) in sustaining its youth and women’s vocational training programmes following the unfortunate theft of essential equipment.
RUBIS Accounts Executive Curtis Francis said that upon learning of the widescale theft and its devastating impact on training for young people and the vulnerable, RUBIS felt compelled to take action. He spoke while presenting a donation of equipment, including a water dispenser, cake mixer, blender, and garden hose.
“RUBIS is pleased to make this timely donation today to the GARD Center. As a responsible corporate citizen, we will continue to demonstrate our commitment to education, health, and sports in Antigua. We are inspired by the organisation’s passion to provide training for the youth and the vulnerable in our community. We wish you success as you continue to rebuild your facility to empower the youth who are the future of this nation,” Mr. Francis said.
The GARD Center’s Executive Director June Jackson thanked RUBIS, noting that the Center was committed to rebuilding and continuing its support for the community.
“The GARD Center wishes to sincerely thank your organisation for its generous donation of items to be used during our training sessions. The Center continues to rebuild after our major robbery in June 2024. We are determined to train and develop our community and to support the vulnerable. We are grateful to our stakeholders who continue to support us during this rebuilding process.”
The GARD Center is a transformative institution empowering youth and women through sustainable agricultural and vocational training, fostering entrepreneurship, food security, and community resilience across Antigua and Barbuda. The Center has been in existence for over 34 years and has had more than 8,000 people benefit from its training programmes.
