BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ACKNOWLEDGED for their accomplishments thus far, 25 of the nation’s youth were last evening (Nov. 12) officially inducted into the Federation’s Hall of Fame of the Most Remarkable Teenagers.
The programme, which began some four years ago, is facilitated by the Department of Youth Empowerment and seeks to “bestow honour” and “bring to the fore the accomplishments of 25 teens that show demonstration of strength of spirit and will to accomplish and overcome...”
The award ceremony was held during a special sitting of the Federal Parliament, which was attended by relatives of the awardees and Members of both the Government and Opposition Benches.
The awardees, who now join 100 others who have been similarly endowed over the past years are: Kayla Sandiford, Anson Belle-Carty, Kaylor Bass, Trevis Belle, Tyana Brookes, Colin Archibald, Noel Nicholls, Trevin Nisbett, Kayla Farrell, David Caines, Tianna Bowery, Gassano Barry, Shavonne Maynard, Kieshonna Brooks, Rikki Blake Brookes, Tajarie Arthurton, Shakeen Brown, Lucien York, Akeem Chumney, Cliron Freeman, Vakiel Herbert, Dylan Browne, Athwon Blackett, Vikell Douglas Edwards and Zonelle Hutchinson.
Following the reading of their profiles, each teen was presented with their award by one of the Members of Parliament.
Minister of Youth the Hon Shawn K. Richards spoke highly of the awardees, describing them as having “exemplary leadership acumen” and having “demonstrated volunteerism, activism and purity of motivation”.
His words of advice and encouragement to them, however, were to continue in the vein which has brought them to the point of this award.
“If as a nation we can truly grow to appreciate the human capital that is our youth and channel their energies positively, then they can (advance) our fight against the ills of society. Then they would take their rightful places as the lighthouses and pillars of our communities.
“Teens, you now have the privilege of being counted among those who have been awarded before you now stand amidst an ever expanding group of individuals that continue to lend contributions to the development of this our Federation. I encourage you to remain motivated and to maintain the focus on the activities that brought you to this special sitting of Parliament…”
He challenged the young adults to inspire their colleagues, be agents of positive change, take advice from the wise, learn from their mistakes and always have a teachable spirit.
The programme was instituted in 2011 under the immediate past administration.
