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David Roberts attended one of the country’s top male colleges, completed an undergraduate and master’s degree and is now completing a Doctorate in Business Administration. Some consider him the “rose that grew from concrete” because he grew up in Maloney Gardens and still excelled. Throughout his life, David has been able to shatter many of the stereotypes associated with residents of this eastern community. He, however, believes that it’s all about your approach, drive and family support.

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Growing up in Maloney Gardens was an enriching experience. However, it may not have been the same for others. Many young men who I grew up with either died or went to jail. This is probably why my parents ensured that I remained focused and they protected me the best way that they could. Their strict approach worked out in the end.

Maloney Gardens is often maligned in the media as a hotbed for crime and other social ills. Some write it off as a hopeless place but I appreciated the multi-faceted community, which helped shape my philosophy and outlook. Now, I always think about the impact of my decisions on the most vulnerable.

While there are positive stories from the community, they are seldom highlighted. I hope that I can provide the public and others with a different perception of Maloney Gardens.

Some may not believe it but I had a marvelous childhood. For the first five years of my life, I grew up in Building 8, Maloney Gardens with my parents and sister. Years later, we moved to another part of Maloney. I went to pre-school and primary school in the community and became the first student from Maloney Government Primary School to pass for Queen’s Royal College (QRC). After QRC, I did A-Levels at St. Augustine Secondary School, went on to complete my Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree and now on the final leg of my Doctorate in Business Administration.

As a youngster, I spent a lot of time in church and I credit this footing for my strong spiritual grounding today.

Prejudice and discrimination are common experiences for Maloney residents because of the stigma of the community but I never allowed those experiences to stop me from my goals. To maintain momentum, I remained focused.

Passion for teaching

In my pre-teen and teen years, I wanted to be many things: a doctor, lawyer, pastor. I even held mock services with my cousins who were always members of the “congregation”. I did not have a clear career path at that time, but I was always aware of the things that gave me the most joy. I even offered Common Entrance lessons while I was in Form 1. Maybe this joy of sharing information is what led me to become a lecturer/facilitator some years ago.

Education was major for my parents and they never spared any expenses in this area. I remember doing nine (9) O’ Level subjects and attending extra classes for eight (8) of those subjects. I don’t know how my parents afforded it, but they did what was necessary to ensure I had the best chances for success.

My parents always encouraged me. Even when they did not agree with my choices (like becoming a DJ) they still supported me and my efforts. My friends and other family members have also been very supportive of my ideas and ventures.My wife, recently, has become part of that ‘support network’ and has been a good sounding board for plans and strategies to execute them. I particularly remember the commitment of my Standard 5 teacher at Maloney Government Primary School, Mrs. Luces. She always believed in me and encouraged me to excel. So many people have contributed to my growth and development over the years.

Mentorship: overhaul needed

There are many great role models in my community:however, there aren’t effective systems which put those in need of guidance, in direct contact with those who are willing and able to assist. Yes, there are structured organisations like youth groups, community councils and Police Youth Clubs but I believe that those most at risk, remain disconnected. We must meet them where they are, which does not always happen.

My advice to young males, especially those from Maloney:

Find the things you are good at and focus on the tasks that provide great satisfaction. Don’t focus solely on the money. As hard as it sounds, never think about the money. The money will come as a by-product of doing something well. Once talents are identified, there must then be a focus on what is required in the market or opportunities that exist.

When not working on his DBA, David is a Management Consultant, an Announcer with Guardian Media Limited and a much sought after Master of Ceremonies. He has over fifteen years’ managerial and strategic leadership experience in the state and private sectors and has facilitated and conducted programmes at some of our country’s main tertiary level institutions.

In 2020, David assumed duties as the Chief Executive Officer of TTT Limited.