L’rique L. George, 20, is a Heavy Equipment Operator at J and L Trucking. He hails from East End, Tortola. Photo: Provided

L'rique L. George found the passion for operating heavy equipment from his father at a very tender age. Photo: Provided

L'rique L. George aspires to one day own his own heavy equipment business in the near future. Photo: Provided

L’rique, 20, is a Heavy Equipment Operator at J and L Trucking. He hails from East End, Tortola.

His job responsibility includes cutting foundations, cutting and cleaning roads and digging trenches and footings. In addition, L’rique is responsible for demolishing structures, cleaning drains and whatever else that requires the use of a heavy equipment.

Our young professional expressed that his dad inspired him into his current career field, adding that his dad is also his greatest inspiration overall.

He said, “When I was a child, my father carried me with him in the truck sometimes when he had to move around the excavators.”

L’rique lamented that on one occasion when he was around the age of 8 or 9 years old, his father allowed him to operate one of the heavy equipment and noted that was when he found the passion for heavy equipment.

“After showing me how to move the machine, he let me track it all the way down to the ramp where the barge was located. Ever since then, I had a passion for operating heavy equipment,” said our young professional.

L’rique stated that he has been working part time as a heavy equipment operator since he was in high school and college, adding that after college he has been working full time for 3 years.

Our young professional said, “Since high school straight up to college, I’ve been working part time and every school break that I got. I have been officially working full time for 3 years.”

“Heartwarming”

As a heavy equipment operator, L’rique was tasked with the responsibility of clearing debris from the roads and driveways following hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.

“My experience assisting with the Irma cleanup was heartwarming. I cleared many roads and removed lots of debris so people could have access to and from their homes with their vehicles.”

He continued, “I remember this one lady told me that her husband was home in the house with an injured foot and she needed to get him to the hospital but was trapped in her yard. After helping her she thanked me so warmly and I felt so appreciated.”

He disclosed that he assisted in clearing a number of drains from debris just before Hurricane Maria hit the territory.

Educational background

L’rique attended the Willard Wheatley Primary School and the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School.

After completing his high school education, our young professional pursued a degree in Architectural Engineering at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Ultimate goal

L’rique expressed that his ultimate goal is to one day own a heavy equipment operating business that will also be able to teach others as his dad taught him.

“I see myself reaching to the point where I can teach and even hire others to work for me,” remarked L’rique.

Our young professional stays focused by paying attention to how far he has progressed in his career field and having the drive and passion to wanting to reach even further.

Hobbies/Interest

When L’rique is not operating a heavy equipment, you can find him sailing the waves of the ocean or getting his hands dirty fixing boats and car engines.

Advice to youth

“Find a job that you have interest in and stay focused. Keep out of trouble and save your money until one day you can start your own business and build yourself up to that position you want to be in life,” advises L’rique L. George.