Grandfathers, fathers, uncles and other adult men lent a helping hand and guiding presence to 57 boys Saturday at the third annual Men’s Carousel at the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center.
“The purpose of the carousel is to get young men in the community involved with men who are good role models and to go in a different direction other than gang involvement,” said Pastor Frederico Brown, an organizer of the free event.
Brown declared they need to have more fathers involved. He said he went to one housing community to invite boys, but they didn’t come — their fathers would not come with them.
The boys who came with their fathers were as young as seven; those who didn’t have a dad with them had to be 10 years old and up.
Boys who did not attend with an older male were assigned one to partner with in the workshops and games. Some of those male surrogates were from the Rain Riders motorcycle club, who came on their cyckles and gave rides to some boys.
Joseph Christopher, one of the Rain Riders, mentored Cajay Legette for the day. They came away as the winners of the dominoes tournament.
“I played hard and had a good partner,” Legette said. Christopher said they will be back next year as the defending champions.
The boys had to attend at least one workshop on social issues. Authentic Manhood, presented by Clifford Cuffy of V.I. Parents Uniting Schools and Homes (VIPUSH), focused on men as providers, protectors and leaders and how families and communities look up to them. He said when men relinquish those responsibilities the entire society is affected.
Sandra Phaire, director of VICARE, presented the Women’s View. Etherero Akinshegun’s workshop topic was on preparing for fatherhood.
“The Men’s Carousel is an idea whose time has arrived,” said Akinshegun, a psychologist. “These types of events are important for male bonding.” Akinshegun, participating for his third year, said he wouldn’t miss it for the world..
The boys got to choose workshops in careers and crafts.
Organizer Ulric Benjamin, who also teaches air conditioning and refrigeration at CTEC, held a workshop in his classroom with modules set up for the boys to see firsthand the workings of refrigeration and to learn about a career in air conditioning technology.
“The boys loved it and some said they would like to get into this field career-wise,” Benjamin said.
Brown gave a workshop on upholstery and drapery making. There were architectural drafting, electronics and technology, and woodworking workshops.
The males were all gathered around a table in the kitchen measuring and mixing with Chef Anton Doos, from CTEC’s food management department, making gingerbread men in his class “Play With Your Food.”
“I brought my sons and nephews to explore new interests,” said Sen. Terrence "Positive" Nelson as he measured out cinnamon and salt for the gingerbread mix.
Breakfast and lunch were provided for the participants, as were games and crafts. The boys got prizes, goody bags and T-shirts.
The CTEC Parental Advisory Committee organized the event with support from VIPUSH, VICARE, V.I. National Guard, Eric Chancellor Esq., CTEC and American Red Cross Youth Volunteers.
