'Sixhead' victory can inspire us to do better Stabroek News February 23, 2001 Dear Editor, Every heart in Guyana must be throbbing with joy, pride and love following the world celebrated event of Andrew 'Sixhead' Lewis being crowned the Welterweight champion of the world. Andrew has done every Guyanese proud. He has realized his dream of being a success at his chosen goal. Beyond the personal glory and the elation and joys of his immediate family and friends, the signal achievement of Andrew must be seen in relation to the broader picture. Albouystown is more readily referred to for the vices of its people rather than the virtues that must also reside there. I write this letter with personal empathy, being a product of this ward. Andrew Lewis must now serve as an inspiration to all the people of his hometown. Not very long ago Carmichael Thorne did the area proud when he excelled at an academic level. Much was written then about the potential of the human species despite the external circumstances that may hinder the development of such persons. Andrew can now be regarded as another example of the power of the human spirit and what can be achieved, so long as the will is there. Albouystown will honour Andrew best by shedding the notion that living in the ghetto inevitably condemns one to a life of perennial poverty and non-achievement. I would like to see support for programmes aimed at getting young people directed towards the right goals. Let the adult population resolve to transform the ghetto into an area that can be regarded as one where its inhabitants have a pride in their lives. I am not referring to castles for houses and shiny cars in each yard. Rather, we can start by accepting the basic responsibilities of being part of a community. Clean-up exercises, a civic duty to ourselves to change the negative image of Albouystown, our roles as parents to teach our young to be morally upright, the accent on education, those with the wherewithal to provide amenities for healthy pursuits by our young people, these are some of the major things which must be pursued with urgency. Andrew will best be rewarded knowing that his victory has served as an awakening for his people of Albouystown. Let us produce more world boxing champions, more academics of repute, more citizens of international standing, and more men and women of integrity. Yours faithfully, Rudolph Mahadeo Follow the goings-on in Guyana in Guyana Today If you do not see the 'Guyana: Land of Six Peoples' drop-down menu on the left then please click here to enter through the front door which will give you additional options and information.