By Suelika N. Buchanan
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| 2007 LYLAA Legacy Award Winners |
Basseterre; St. Kitts): Aspiring lawyers, doctors, pioneers, leaders and top scholars were recently awarded with Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awards last Friday, August 10.
The ceremony was held at the Ocean Terrace Inn where eight citizens were recognized as outstanding citizens, pioneers, innovators and social change agents.
The awardees were Jihan Williams, 2001 State Scholar and newly minted lawyer, Joyelle Clarke, champion debater and recent graduate of the University of the West Indies with a Bachelors of Arts in Geography.
Sudeakka Francis a dean’s list Accounting student and 2006 Miss Plattsburg State Caribbean winner, Candisie Franklin, a law student at the University of Guyana and a Miss Universe contestant. Khrystus Wallace is a 21-year-old CEO of KVK Enterprises, also motivational speaker and philanthropist and Cuban medical school graduate, resident doctor for the U18 National Football Team Dr. Garfield Alexander received the awards.
Leslie ‘Sugar Bowl’ Morton and Lavern Louard Greaves both were the organization’s 2007 LYLAA Legacy Awardees. This is the organization’s premiere award which is bestowed upon individuals who have surpassed revolutionaries. ~~Adz:Right~~
Morton is a renowned Radio/TV Host, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist and a comedian while Greaves is the National Coordinator for the St. Kitts and Nevis Poverty Assessment Exercise, social planner, writer and the driving force behind the Molyneux Youth in Action group.
“It is important to note that apart from all of the awardees’ accomplishments, what differentiates them from many of their peers is that they are humanitarians, philanthropists, innovators, visionaries and patriots,” said Teslyn Simmonds, chair of the Selection’s Committee.
The ceremony was chaired by 2006 Legacy Awardee Francil Morris and 2005 Awardee Deidre Daniel. The national anthem was sung by Yannick Mills of the UNESCO Youth PATH and Carlton Pogson invoked God’s blessings on the proceedings.
The history of the organization was read by 2006 Awardee Diana Williams. The 2007 LYLAA Awardees delivered a 3 to 5 minute speech on an issue that he or she was passionate about.
Julie Charles read the representation of the National Symbols and conducted the awards ceremony which is one of the highlights of the evening.
Celia Christopher, LYLAA Advisor presented the pins which are a representation of the great love and pride that the awardees have for their country.
Austin Weekes, Manager of The Craft House, which is a LYLAA partner presented the golden honour cords which represents the awardees journey through life.
Cuban Ambassador, Her Excellency Anna Maria Gonzales presented the flags to the awardees which represents the awardees’ quest to preserve their country.
~~Adz:Left~~The presentation of the plaques was done by the Hon. Sam T. Condor, Deputy Prime Minister and with the responsibility for Youth.
Minister Condor also delivered the feature address.
He said, “It is often said that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow and I always correct them when this being said because our young people are indeed leading today. You have contributed and I am certain that you will continue in making meaningful contributions in the development of our country. You have proven yourselves to be ambassadors of our nation and for this you deserve to be honoured.”
He continued: “You deserve to be held up to the nation, the region and to the international community.
They need to know that St. Kitts is a country with scholars, leaders and young people who are dedicated to service and for this I applaud the Liamuiga Youth Legacy Awards Association for creating a platform where young people can be held in esteem by their peers. I wish LYLAA much success in its future endeavors and pledge my Governments’ support to every young person in our nation.”
A poem was read by the 2006 LYLAA Awardee Michellina Mills and the vote of thanks was delivered by Mutryce A. Williams Founder/Chairperson of LYLAA.
The ceremony was attended by the Governor General His Excellency, Sir Cuthbert Sebastian, the Director of Youth and 2004 Legacy Awardee Geoffrey Hanley, past awardees, family members and well wishers.
