By Aabigayle McIntosh

June Jackson, Executive Director of the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center (GARDC), is urging the public to be cautious about their purchases.

This advisory comes in the wake of a theft at the Mercer Creek facility, where thieves stole food, equipment, and other donated items essential for ongoing training programs.

“Do not purchase anything that wasn’t bought from a hardware store, whether it’s second-hand, first-hand, or third-hand. The GARD Center is in pain and hurting because of this theft,” Jackson emphasized.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, not only resulted in the loss of valuable donated items but also led to property vandalism.

Consequently, Monday’s training sessions had to be cancelled. However, Jackson assured that this setback would not deter the centre from its mission.

As the organization works to rebuild, they are seeking assistance from the public. “I appeal to the general public, our alumni, and anyone else. We’ve graduated 8,000 young people across Antigua and Barbuda. Any donation, even $5, can make a difference. The trainees lost their baking butter. Any support you can provide to the GARD Center will help us continue for another 35 years, despite this setback,” Jackson said.

The Gilbert Agricultural & Rural Development Center (GARD Center) is a premier training facility focused on providing entrepreneurial and employment opportunities for youth and women.