Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 04, 2014 (SKNIS): Businessman Elvis Warner has congratulated the Department of Youth Empowerment for “doing a wonderful job” in developing the youth of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Warner made the comments on Wednesday (December 03) while visiting the government department to present a cash donation to Raashida Williams and Nayala Daniel who were recognised last month as members of the 2014 class of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He cited the Remarkable Teens programme as an example of the good work being done and said the stories of the young people are truly inspiring. The owner of Elvis Auto Electronics, who was accompanied by his wife Jessica, singled out Williams and Daniel from amongst the awardees in the Courage to Overcome category.
“It reminds me of myself when I was growing up,” Mr. Warner revealed, referring to their story.
According to her profile, Nayala, 18, has had a very challenging life seeing her father fall seriously ill and subsequently losing her mother to cancer in 2012. With her father warded in a long term care facility, Nayala has had to assume more responsibility for her siblings but uses song and dance to keep her spirits up and those of her loved ones.
Raashida, 17, was born with cerebral palsy but never used that as an excuse in pursuing her interest in learning how to play the African drum or weave baskets all while helping her single mother raise three younger siblings. Her profile states that she also shared words of inspiration with other persons who are differently-abled and on occasion delivering the message “that they can be someone important even if they have a limitation.”
Mr. Warner revealed that he too had difficulties growing up and back then promised: “If I achieved anything in life, no matter what it is, I will always try to share it with others especially young people.”
The teenagers were grateful for the contribution.
“I plan to save it because I am planning to go to college next year September to study performing arts and entrepreneurship,” Nayala revealed. “I really appreciate it and it was so touching,” Raashida expressed.
Mrs. Warner said that although they live in St. Kitts, and the young ladies in Nevis, they hope to have an ongoing relationship.
“Even if [it’s once] every blue moon [there is] a call from them or us just to see how they are doing and to make sure that they are keeping up themselves,” she stated, adding that they have two teenage children of their own and want the best for the young ladies as well.
Senior Youth Officer in the Department of Youth Empowerment Chereca Weaver said the staff is working tirelessly to develop the youth population and create a society where everyone embraces their role in contributing to this process. She credited the Warners for their commitment which started in 2013 when they made a similar presentation.
“It is a very humbling, very moving, very touching gesture,” she emphasized while encouraging other companies and individuals to support the nation’s youth.
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