With his eyes to the skies and his feet planted on solid ground, Ras Areya Linton contemplates the future, reflects upon the past and give thanks for the present.  Life hasn't always afforded this opportunity for introspection, rather, it has been one of many challenges. 

Born in Kingston, Jamaica amidst the backdrop of political violence and the subsequent uprising, Ras Areya  managed to beat the system by getting invited to England at the early age of 9, by his parents, who he hadn't seen since he was an infant. There he was afforded formal education and later a trade in carpentry & joinery.  However, the treacherous winters, the institutionalized racism and the more positive directives of His Majesty eventually pointed him in the direction of Africa.  At the tender of age of 28, while husband and father of eight, he decided to embark upon the African continent.

In 1984,  Ras Areya left England, with the blessings of  his wife and set out to lay a foundation for his family in Ghana.  He predicted 3-4 months would be sufficient and so he told his wife to hold firm with the five children till he was certain of a solid foundation.  On the advice of one of his brethren, with whom he was traveling and whom came earlier, he invested in a flat-bed truck to haul food from the farmers to the city. It was an excellent idea on paper, but the beginning of lessons to be learned about the vast differences of doing business in Africa.  Three months dragged into the first year and no money was being made.  The first year dragged into three years, and there was still no sign of dry land. Road conditions eventually claimed the vehicle, while mechanics took it apart, piece by piece.  It became undeniable that their venture had failed and he would not be able to send for his family.  The best he could do at this point was go and take care of his family. Without further ado he scraped together what was left, had a slice of humble pie and caught the next coach to U.K.  And when he arrived, his wife, Valerie Linton, welcomed him with open arms, children & house intact!

During the time spent in Ghana he realized, that his own trade would be better implemented rather than starting on something new.  Still determined to get back to Africa, this time with a viable means of income, he decided to further his knowledge in his area of expertise. With an Advanced Certification in carpentry and joinery, Ras Areya applied his studies towards the more general field of construction.  For the next two years he studied and acquired his skills in constructing and building, becoming a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, U.K. Once completing his degree he was offered a position as Construction Director, with David O'Keefe & Co., based in Neasden, London.  He worked for them for the next 13 years, acquiring the essential skills necessary to enable him to handle some of the company's biggest contracts. Still, he never lost focus.  Though those years were lean, with the demands of a growing family, he made it his priority to continue nurturing the seeds he planted several years earlier in Ghana.  By 2001, on one of his many trips to Ghana since his departure in '88, he registered Areya & Co., a construction firm which he determined to launch.  Since he had the benefit of past experiences, he took each step with greater caution.  Though the company was now established in Ghana, he allowed himself two more years to concentrate his strengths for his second effort.  He was now a man of 45 without the the advantage of youthful years to waste.  Prudence and wisdom would have to guide him on the perilous path ahead.  Fortunately for him, he had the strength of a wife of 30 years, who had endured the first endeavor and remained resolute in making the vision a reality.  Together, this time, they returned to Ghana in 2003 to set it straight.

His skills being what they are and the need for expertise in the field of building, quickly brought him several contracts.  With the apparent promise of a bright future he traveled to England and acquired over a $100,000 worth of equipment which he had shipped into Ghana, so that he could start his workshop in earnest.  To see the man smile when he takes you into his workshop is the absolute reflection of pride, and rightfully so. His endurance of the pains, his acceptance of the defeats and his resilience in the face of it all has made him the victor.  He is now the proud owner of a construction firm that offers its clients the assurance of quality and reliability.  His growing clientele consist largely of other repatriates who require attention to detail and seek the highest standards as a matter of norm.  However his favorite project is his own home, which he meticulously  addresses all the details to the  specifications of his beloved wife.  And since the grandchildren now outnumber the children, he adds on room after room to insure he has paved a way for his entire family in Africa.

The race is not for the swift, but for he who can endure.

To view his official web-site, please click on www.areyaconstruct.com