Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 20, 2014 (SKNIS): Last night’s (November 19) staging of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens Award in St. Kitts and Nevis was an inspiring affair that highlighted stories of personal struggle, sacrifice, bravery, volunteerism, spiritual commitment, achievement and triumph.
Members of the Federal Parliament attended the special sitting of the National Assembly to pay tribute to the young people and the persons who have guided them through the important stages of development. Awards were presented in categories of Youth Activism, Entrepreneurship, Scholar Athlete, Music, Dance, Spiritual Commitment, Community Involvement, Cultural Preservation, Leadership, Civil Involvement and Courage to Overcome.
“The 25 Most Remarkable Teens initiative is a revelation of the untapped rich and boundless potentials that exist within our young people,” explained the Honourable Glenn Phillip, Federal Minister responsible for youth. “It is as a result of this programme that we recognise, as a people, that all has not been lost in our fight against anti-social behaviour in our children. Our young people are still excelling in sports. Our young people are still community conscious and active. Above all, there is an abundance of young people who are remarkable in all – yes my friends, in all – that they do.”
The parliament and the nation welcomed the stories of Shakiah Queeley, who owns a profitable beauty salon at the age of 17, and Rasheed Eddy, 17, who excelled in sports and community involvement through fundraisers and activities such as tree plantings and cleanups. Gene Amory, 18, is an avid enthusiast for the folklore artfrom masquerade. In the Courage to Overcome Category Nayala Daniel, 18, achieved, in spite of her father falling ill and being placed in a long term care facility and her mother’s subsequent untimely passing in 2012. The tale was all too familiar for Ashika Williams, who lost three family members in 2014 but remains focussed on her dreams of positively influencing young people as a teacher.
“What we have seen here tonight really, is a remarkable display of our future,” explained Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas. “We believe that St. Kitts and Nevis at this time continues to command a number one position in so many different areas of achievement and each and every one of you are number one in your own achievement, an inspiration to the young people of our country. You are really what we want our young people to be.”
A full list of the awardees will be posted on the St. Kitts Department of Youth Empowerment’s Facebook page. The annual event was first held in 2010.
