– Applauds President Ali for transforming forgotten streets into foundations for national pride and empowering youth
Fuelled by a deep sense of humility stemming from his upbringing, Keevin Allicock, Guyana’s first Olympian in 25 years to compete as a boxer at the 2021 Olympic Games, the decorated athlete remains committed to achieving excellence with a never-ending drive.
Standing on the newly enhanced road network in Albouystown with the team from The El Dorado Beacon, Allicock reflected on the area in which he spent most of his life.
A sense of nostalgia flowed through the air, one that reminded him of his parents’ struggles, empty stomachs, and the beautiful camaraderie in the previously overlooked, stigmatised neighbourhood.
With a profound desire to motivate and uplift young people, Allicock serves as a positive example for the community that shaped him.
Allicock said, “My aim is to inspire the youth of Albouystown and the young people of this beautiful nation. I would like them to understand that their situation may not be their choice, but they have the power to shape a better future for themselves and their loved ones.”
He also shared that it is his hope that the youngsters will understand that there was a time in his life when he didn’t have a pair of shoes to run the streets; very few knew his name or even who he was.
Noting that there was a lack of opportunity in the community, Allicock subconsciously knew that it was almost impossible to dream big, much less envision himself as a boxer, but he did.
He was determined to fulfil this dream so that his family, community, and country could be proud of him.
Faith, Family, and Personal Loss
With God at the centre of his life since a tender age, every challenge that was meant to break his confidence, every temptation that was before him, and every negative word that was spoken, seen, and accepted as a stepping stone for him to get to where he is today, in the ring and behind the ropes.
Allicock shared that, although his mother instilled in him the importance of praying and communicating with God, she was never in favour of his ambition to pursue boxing.
According to him, her primary concern was whether he would injure himself or, worse, suffer an injury from someone else.
The Olympian expressed that her disapproval did not hinder his desire to be equal to his brothers and follow his passion for the sport but rather motivated him to give his best, to excel.
Regarding his father, Allicock expressed deep admiration for his father’s accomplishments as a boxer himself.
Allicock harboured an intense desire, not only for his father to acknowledge his talent to perform locally and regionally but also for him to experience his journey to the Olympic Games with him—a personal aspiration of his father.
According to Allicock, his relationship with his father wasn’t cherished because he celebrated his achievements, but it was because he kept it real with him and provided much-needed guidance during his challenging times.
Allicock said to The El Dorado Beacon, “The man who contributed to me being in this world was my role model, mentor, and a selfless provider for the family.
I wish that he was there to see that I made the Olympic team, but sadly, he died a few mornings before learning that I did.
I know that he was proud of me, but I wanted him to share that moment too. It was something that he was passionate about; it was the one thing I remembered him talking about constantly.”
The yearning for his father’s acknowledgement and pride in him for the sport of boxing on the biggest stage was crushed, but a visibly emotional Allicock explained that, despite his small stature, his father believed in his confidence and his capacity to deliver in the ring.
Allicock further said, “My father may not have seen me on the biggest stage, but God always has a plan, and I trust in that. I knew my father believed in my abilities, but I also recognised that no one expected me to reach this level in my career; however, I did not achieve this success on my own.
I was raised by a tough but soldier-like man who instructed me on the techniques of throwing punches; he shared his wisdom with me on life and life’s challenges. Like all of us, he wasn’t perfect, but he sacrificed for his family.”
His father, without verbalising what he was instilling in the young boxer, taught him the importance of dedication and resilience while maintaining a sense of discipline and respect.
Being neither the tallest nor the biggest child in his family or in the community, Allicock stated that he quickly understood that real bravery comes from within.
He also asserted that growing up in Albouystown during those days required a different level of courage, one that was a necessity for both young and old, regardless of internal fear.
Allicock further emphasised that, although he feels his father is with him in spirit, the experience is still different; instead of dwelling on his absence, he finds peace and happiness in giving back to his community and country.
Allicock explained that he made a conscious decision to speak to youngsters, help to motivate them, and show them the reality of life and what they can accomplish through hard work.
A Message of Empowerment for Guyana’s Youth
Urging Guyanese to capitalise on the opportunities that are created for them by the public and private sectors, Allicock said, “To the young people, or anyone who will be reading my story and is going through a difficult time right now, thinking that life isn’t going to get better.
I want you to know that I was there, in that same position, not knowing where or who to turn to.
However, these are different times in Guyana, and I am overjoyed that none of you have to face the hardships that most people my age did some years ago.
You will be rewarded if you have a skill, are an entrepreneur, or have a business idea that you believe in, focus on, work hard for, and refuse to give up on.”
Expressing faith in the young people of Guyana, Allicock encouraged them to remember to put their trust in God. He also reminded them that they are young, and while it is okay to enjoy their lives, they should also remember that every action is followed by Him.
Allicock further applauded the youngsters for their ability to think critically and evaluate situations independently, rather than simply accepting or believing the opinions of everyone else on social media.
I want the people of my community, Albouystown, and Guyana to remember the state of our streets, the jobs we never had, and the living conditions we all endured, he stated.
Today your children do not have to play on the dirt roads like we did; they have parks and safe spaces. The crime rates are down drastically in our community, the men are no longer on the roadsides without work, and the minds of our bright and ambitious youth can study for free and accomplish their dreams.”
Meanwhile, Allicock stood in front of the property that once housed his childhood home and reflected on the hardships faced by his family and others in the community.
According to him, reflecting on those days, while beautiful at times, is also filled with pains of struggles.
However, the boxer explained that he takes comfort in knowing that there are endless opportunities that are available for the people of Albouystown and the rest of the country.
“I know many of us want to forget those days, but I can’t. I often remember the good and the challenging times; it keeps me humble. It is a reminder of where neither I nor we should ever want to go back.
It is my hope that everyone, especially the young people, understands that these opportunities that are available to them today were never available for us,” the boxer pleaded, “Please don’t take life for granted.”
Even with a roof that seemed to sag and walls that felt as fragile as cardboard, the Olympian reflected on his childhood memories with warmth, cherishing the joyful moments spent with his siblings and the kids from the neighbourhood he loved dearly.
Allicock firmly stated that, although he may have come from a poor home and a community that many considered the “ghetto”, he would never trade his upbringing or his faith in God for money, fame, or luxury.
He also disclosed that there are some future plans for his community in the pipeline that he is working on. According to him, it is a project that is aimed at assisting youth in Albouystown and neighbouring communities, which he will discuss once it is finalised.
Key Players Behind Allicock’s Success in Boxing
Highlighting the potential within the neglected and marginalised communities, Allicock shared his heartfelt gratitude towards His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali; Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, the Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Charles Ramson; the Minister Within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; and the People’s Progressive Party Civic Administration (PPP/C) for their belief and investment in him and his aspirations in boxing.
According to him, “President Ali has always supported me and my fellow athletes in Guyana. He is a firm believer in delivering. His commitment extends not only to us as athletes but also to the people in every community across Guyana.
I have seen firsthand the way he reaches out and helps. He doesn’t see colour, religion, gender, or race. Those days are long gone, and as a country, we should be proud of where we are now.
Now is not the time to attack each other; now is the time to build together.
The evidence of the president’s accomplishment is in his work; it is in his investments; it is in his vision, and it is in the way he loves his people. It is not about his words, but more importantly, it is about his actions.”
Allicock further explained that the present is not a time to gamble with your future but rather to make use of the opportunities that are provided and enhance your lives.
He also added that although the people of Guyana may not always agree with each other’s opinions, it is essential for everyone to avoid reverting to third-world status because of their selfish motives.
Expressing gratitude to Minister Ramson and Minister McCoy for consistently providing guidance and assistance, ensuring that his mental well-being, both locally and internationally, is in the best space before and after a match.
According to him, “It is what the president and his ministers do behind the scenes that I admire. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple phone call to Minister McCoy to request his assistance in finding a job for someone who reached out to me.
They make time for me, even when busy, which is one of the main reasons I got the support I needed. I know that I am voting for this government, which helps even when no one is looking.
They haven’t just helped me personally, but their assistance to others has no boundary, and I am also proud to say that Albouystown is no more a ghetto; it is a community that has a bright future ahead.”
