ST. GEORGE’S GRENADA, APRIL 18 — The Grenada Broadcasting Network and journalist Eugenia Peters are being hailed as the driving force behind disabled young man Abel Mark’s breakthrough into the workforce — a story years in the making.

When Abel Mark could not find a job, Grenada noticed — and that was no accident. For years, the Grenada Broadcasting Network has followed Abel’s journey, from primary school through secondary school and college, covering his struggles with scoliosis and the repeated barriers he faced as a young disabled man trying to enter the workforce.

That sustained coverage, led by journalist Eugenia Peters, is now being credited with building the national awareness that ultimately changed Abel’s life.

He has been hired by Mt. Pure Spring Water as a graphic designer and administrative support staff member — his first job in the formal labor market, personally offered by Managing Director Rolanda McQueen.

The breakthrough came after GBN aired Abel’s story once more, following months of rejection from employers who cited concerns about his physical condition.

Abel himself wasted no time in acknowledging the broadcaster’s role.

In an interview following his hiring, he praised GBN warmly, crediting the network’s continued coverage for opening doors that had otherwise remained shut.

“First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to the company Mt. Pure for actually seeing me and giving me a try, and also GBN for actually giving me a voice so people could hear what I have to say”.

His mother, Rhona Mark, recalled that GBN was present from the very beginning of her son’s public journey, including facilitating his travel overseas to receive medical treatment for his condition — a development that few outlets covered and fewer followed up on.

“GBN was there from day one with Abel. All because of GBN, he got the opportunity to go to America, and GBN has turned up once again to leave him his first job outside the job market,” Abel’s Mother said. “ I don’t know what we would have done. And to you, Miss Eugenia — a big thank you.”

Peters, who has been on the story for years, was present for the announcement at Mt. Pure Spring Water.

McQueen, speaking at the company’s premises, said the decision to hire Abel was rooted in a broader commitment to inclusion.

Mt. Pure currently employs several staff members with disabilities, including a young man with Down Syndrome. “We need to put kids who have difficulty into the mainstream,” she said.

Abel is already looking beyond his first day.

His immediate goals include obtaining his driver’s license and formally establishing his own graphic design business. The family also expressed hope that pledged support — a laptop and printer — would materialize to help him build toward that goal.