The Mason family has pledged to continue supporting the Newtown Youth Development Programme (NYDP), describing the initiative as one that has the potential to transform young lives and serve as a model for communities across Dominica.
Speaking on behalf of the Mason family during the official launch of the NYDP on July 10, Irving “Tosh” Williams said the family’s support for the programme was only the beginning.
“This is not the first or the last contribution that will be made by the Mason family,” Williams declared. “Sports is something that is at the heart of the Mason family, and we want to see the young people really get involved in sports and progress in what they intend to do.”
Williams extended the family’s heartfelt congratulations to NYDP Chairman Joffre Faustin and the organization’s executive, commending them for bringing the initiative from concept to reality.
He explained that the family’s involvement followed several discussions between Roy Mason, who resides in the United States, and Faustin about ways to strengthen opportunities for young people in the Newtown community.
According to Williams, Roy Mason, together with his wife Anthea, daughter Tyra, grandson Jayden, Roy’s sister Yolanda, and her husband Birdy Shillingford, spearheaded the effort to assist the programme. Family members and friends in both the United States and Canada also rallied behind the initiative.
Williams noted that while the Mason family has quietly assisted numerous individuals and families throughout Dominica over the years, the NYDP launch marked one of the first public occasions on which their philanthropic efforts were highlighted.
He recalled initially being surprised by the extensive list of items the family planned to acquire for the programme, questioning whether everything on the registry could be sourced. However, within just a few weeks, the family succeeded in assembling what he described as a substantial shipment of sporting equipment, toiletries, coaching supplies and other materials to support the organization’s work.
“I am truly touched by the magnitude of what has taken place here,” Williams said, adding that he was confident the donations would benefit both the committee and the young people it serves.
Williams also delivered a written message from the Mason family, congratulating Faustin and the NYDP executive for undertaking what they described as a “meaningful and impactful initiative.”
The family expressed hope that the organization would become a model for other communities by providing security, recreation and educational opportunities for young people.
Addressing the youth directly, the family’s message encouraged them to embrace the guidance of their coaches and mentors while working diligently to achieve their goals.
Parents were also urged to play an active role by supporting their children’s participation, assisting with fundraising efforts, monitoring their progress and reinforcing the belief that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
The Mason family said it was grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the programme and thanked the committee for allowing them to play what they described as “a small role in such a powerful and uplifting initiative.”
Williams reaffirmed the family’s long-term commitment to the NYDP, saying its members would continue to mobilize relatives and friends to support the organization’s mission.
He wished the programme every success, expressing confidence that it would make a lasting contribution to youth development in the Newtown community for many years to come.
