By S. Browne. Updated 9:07 a.m., Thursday, March 6, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Operation Beryl Aid, an initiative led by Spr. Porter, a soldier currently serving in the British Army, was created to raise funds to ensure students impacted by Hurricane Beryl, as well as those in need, could return to school fully equipped and ready to learn.
With the Army’s full support, 150 students from Union Island Secondary School, Spring Village Primary, Sion Hill Government School, and children in Sandy Bay received backpacks filled with notebooks, pens, flash drives, calculators, geometry sets, and other essential school supplies tailored to their grade levels.
“Education is the foundation of a brighter future. If we invest in our children today, we empower them to become the leaders of tomorrow,” Spr. Porter said in response to the outreach.
Having lost his brother, Glenroy Fraser, to crime, Spr. Porter knows the dangers that can derail young lives. His journey is not just about providing material assistance but about offering guidance, mentorship, and an example of discipline, perseverance, and positive change.
“The loss of my brother shook me to my core. But instead of letting grief consume me, I turned it into purpose. I want to be a mentor, to support young men, and to show them that there is a way forward that does not involve crime. We must lead by example because we never know—youths are watching.”
Beyond giving back, Spr. Porter is using his platform to encourage young men to consider a career in the British Army—a path that has provided him with discipline, education, and opportunities for self-improvement.
“The Army has given me purpose, structure, and valuable skills that I can use for life. I encourage young men to explore this path—it can open doors you never imagined possible.”
Spr. Porter also added, “Crime is not the answer. Our youth need guidance, opportunity, and positive role models. Let’s invest in them, let’s support them, and most importantly—let’s lead by example.”
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