Young, ambitious: Against the odds in Black Rock

By Krystal Penny Bowen

Troy’s story
In urban communities in the St. Michael area, often the public are informed of the negative events within the society, such as crime among youth, school bullying, drug abuse and teenage sex. As a result, those who seek to do their best by working hard and supporting their community are left unrecognised and unappreciated. Nevertheless, some people see the good in their youth and this is evident in the St. Stephen’s Hill area. One young Black Rock resident who rather than spend his days “on the block” has been working diligently to provide for his family and his community through entrepreneurship.

Twenty-seven-year-old Troy Williams, despite his diminutive stature, has given back in a tremendous way by showing his school, St. Stephen’s Primary how much he appreciated the tutelage he received when he attended the school some two decades ago. In February, Troy showed his love for his alma mater by donating a skip to aid them with garbage storage, and free collection through his company. He also cleared the bush and shrubs which surrounded the school.

Born in the area once known as Chapel’s Hill, Troy attended the St. Stephen’s Nursery and St. Stephen’s Primary School. His father, who passed away when Troy was eleven years old, owned a trucking company and influenced the path that he would take. At an age when most boys would be transitioning into adolescence, this teenager was operating heavy machinery. The former Coleridge and Parry and Ellerslie student boasted that in his latter teen years, he was driving bobcats, other heavy duty vehicles and racing Datsuns in the gullies.

During an interview at St. Stephen’s Primary School with The Barbados Advocate, Troy talked about the challenges he faced growing up particularly when it came to academics. “I was not academically inclined, my scholastic skills were very weak, but I was able to get through school. Funny enough, in the Common Entrance my Maths results were high, but English, I wasn’t well in English – but Maths was always high,” said Troy.

The busy entrepreneur said he tried but knew school was “not fitted” to him, as he was always active [in the family business] and he knew that he wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Hardworking and dedicated, Troy has been working in the field of trucking and construction all of his life and his family has supported him through his many ups and downs. With three brothers and one sister; the young entrepreneur spoke warmly of his sister, Dr. Latoya Williams who has often provided support holistically as he takes on various ventures.

As to his current passion for entrepreneurship, he credits an American writer for his inspiration.

“Some years ago I received a copy of the book “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki – it is a book that speaks about the importance of financial independence and building wealth through starting and owning businesses. Basically the book speaks about what the rich people teach their children about money and investing, something that many poor and middle class parents do not… often times because they do not know or have the resources. That book inspired me to start my own business,” said Troy.

Today this son of Black Rock is a proud business man, Managing director of Williams Tools and Equipment Rentals and Williams Liquid and Solid Waste Management Inc, and he is currently part of the national waste haulers programme where he collects garbage for the entire parish of St. Lucy.