By Khamisi Slowe
Michael De Freitas celebrated not only his own achievements, but also those of his fellow graduates at the graduation ceremony held on Friday at the Bartica Community Centre, marking the completion of the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) skills training programme in Electrical Installation and Welding and Fabrication.
Among the diverse group of graduates, was De Freitas, who stood out as a 42-year-old graduate in Electrical Installation. His message resonated with the audience, “It’s not where you start; it’s where you finish.”
Returning to the classroom at an age when many prioritise family over reinvention is no easy task, but De Freitas demonstrated that determination can overcome challenges. “I wanted to give up many times,” he shared in a brief interview with the Sunday Stabroek, “but I reminded myself why I started. While I have tried many different paths, not all were as successful as I had hoped.”
Interestingly, electrical installation was not his first choice. The responsibilities of supporting a wife and children compelled him to make difficult decisions. “Sometimes you have to make choices you’re not always happy with at first. Nevertheless, this programme gave me the chance to finally find something I love and be successful at it,” he reflected.
His story stood out in a class that comprised mostly of younger participants. Despite initial doubts about fitting in and keeping pace with younger classmates, De Freitas persevered, earning the admiration of peers and instructors alike.
Attendees at the graduation ceremony included Minister of Labour, Joseph Hamilton, Mayor of Bartica, Martin Murray, and BIT Chief Executive Officer Richard Maughn who all acknowledged the significance of the graduates’ accomplishments including De Freitas ’. Hamilton applauded his determination, stating, “This is a testament to the human spirit – age should never limit ambition and skills education is growing because it’s needed today more than ever. This graduate shows us all what can be achieved with perseverance.”
The Minister also emphasised the broader impact of skills training in Bartica, noting that between 2020 and 2024, a total of 367 individuals were trained in various programmes, with 44 per cent of them being women. “This shows our commitment to inclusivity and ensuring equal opportunities for all,” he added. Moreover, he expressed his awareness of the many skilled individuals—whether in mechanics, welding, or electrical installation—who lack certification, and disclosed plans to change this by ensuring that those who can prove their experience can receive certification through BIT starting next year.
Meanwhile, De Freitas posited that as a parent it is vital to set an example for his children by proving that it is never too late to chase your dreams or change direction to get what you want in life. “I wanted to show my kids that learning is a life-long process. If I can do it at 42, they can do it at any age,” he remarked.
His future plans involve using his newly acquired skills to provide affordable electrical services in his community while encouraging others to pursue training through BIT. “I’ve realised that education is the most powerful tool to improve not just your life, but the lives of those around you. My journey isn’t just about me; it’s about what I can give back to my community.”
Mayor Murray and CEO Maughn echoed the theme of transformative education through skills training. Maughn described the graduates’ journey as a beacon of hope for others considering a return to learning or just looking to learn a skillset, reinforcing the idea that success is defined by persistence and purpose rather than age or circumstance.
