BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TWENTY-ONE of the nation’s best and brightest youths were honoured for their contribution to national development at last evening’s (Sept. 16) Independence Youth Awards.
The ceremony was held at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel and Casino under the patronage of Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor. The 21 awardees were recognised for their outstanding work in their various fields of expertise.
Those receiving awards were Konris Maynard and Larry Vaughn (Excellence in Music), Talissa Brown and Kayan Benjamin (Excellence in Sports), Dorothy Caines and Shorna Maynard (Excellence in Education), Alphonso Henry and Lawson Wilkes (Promotion of Culture), Azilla Clarke (Social Reform), Collin Williams and Troy Hendrickson (Entrepreneurship).
Awards were also given to Dr. Mccartney Alexander and Dr. Dwain Archibald (Promotion of Health), Drason Brown, Dominic Matthew and Delyth Christmas (Community Involvement/Services), Pastor Clive Saunders (Advocacy), Devon Mitchum and Crispin Worrel (Youth in Agriculture) and Dameon Jacobs (Religion.)
While addressing the delegates, Condor spoke glowingly of the contribution each had made in their respective areas. He noted that they were following in the footsteps of national leaders and activists who had played “enormous roles” in improving the lives of their countrymen.
“[Robert] Bradshaw was a young man when he became interested in the development of his country. In fact, he was only 28 when he became President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union,” he revealed.
Added Condor, “Youth are the country’s greatest asset, and the government has taken pains to ensure we have a number of programmes that cater to them. We imagine that these awards will act as an impetus for further development opportunities, as we hope more young persons will be inspired by the efforts you all have made.”
This is the first year that Youth Awards have been given out as a part of the Federation’s Independence Anniversary celebrations. Other events planned for the 26th anniversary this year include the annual Independence Day Parade, an Independence Peace Rally and the Prime Minister’s Peace Concert.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “Embracing youth today to ensure a brighter tomorrow”.
