ST JAMES, Jamaica — Governor General Sir Patrick Allen is pleading with young people, particularly those in western Jamaica to stay away from lottery scamming, noting that there is much more to life than the acquisition of illicit cash.

According to a release from King’s House today, the Governor was speaking to students and staff at the Green Island High School, where his official tour of the parish ended yesterday.

Allen stated that one of the major challenges that young people across the country, especially in western Jamaica, are now facing is the temptation posed by lottery scamming.

“I hear of students dropping out of school to pursue this venture, so I tell you this, there is so much in this world, young people, for you to see. There is so much to endeavour to become. There is so much for you to dare to achieve that you do not have to be involved in scamming,” the governor-general said.

“The truth is, education truly opens the door to endless possibilities, giving each and every one of you a chance to attain so much more than what we have here in Jamaica. Education opens the doors of the universe to all of you,” he added.

Allen also encouraged the students to have faith in themselves and persevere even in what seems to be difficult times and a confusing world.

“It matters not where you are from. It matters not what your disadvantages may be. You have the ability to play a successful role in our society,” he said.

The governor-general’s parish tour commenced at the Chester Castle All-Age School and made a visit to the Edwards Dairy Farm before culminating at Green Island High School.

At Chester Castle All Age Sir Patrick Allen congratulated the school on its successes, encouraged the students on the importance of staying in school, spoke about the strength in unity and on his roles and responsibilities in the Office of The Governor-General.

 “Leave the guns I beg you, already our history is too tragic and sorrowful, it is now time for you, our young men and women to begin telling a new story; of peace, love, success and unity,” Allen said.