In a festive atmosphere at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC), 18 young leaders were honoured during the National Youth Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 30, for their exceptional performance in interdisciplinary fields.
Desrie Markham and Kareem King each received the Culture & Performing Arts Award, while D’Aundré Samuel and Uchenna Ohaegbulam captured the Top CSEC Student Award for 2023 and 2024 respectively. The Top CAPE Performer Award went to Aaron Gittens. Sophia Aflak and Elyzé Henry walked away with the Top Grade Six National Assessment (G6NA) Student for 2023 and 2024. The inaugural Student Researcher of the Year Award went to Ramique Mascall, a former grade six student of Potters Primary.
Three athletes also were also honoured. Ellie Shaw and La’Nica Locker copped the Young Sportswoman Award and Kasiya Daley took home his Young Sportsman Award. The Tourism Award went to Jason White; Keisha Knight clinched the Agriculture Award; and Azara Lavia captured the Young Media Practitioner Award. As Kendell Harrigan basked in his Culinary Arts Award, Nicoya Henry got her Young Artisan Award. The Barbuda Development Award went to educator Amelia Beazer Desouza and Amanda Bramble clinched the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP) Award.
Under the theme “Anchored in purpose and vision”, the Director of Youth Affairs Dr Jrucilla Samuel expressed gratitude to the packed room of young people and dignitaries, including Their Excellencies Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, and Lady Williams, Sir Clare and Lady Roberts, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor C Justin Robinson.
Using a modified quote by freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, Dr Samuel asserted: “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its young people. The Youth Awards aims not only to celebrate youth achievements, but also to validate their efforts and empower generations of young leaders.”
She explained that the 18 youth were selected because they “have not only leveraged their influence for the common good, but also demonstrated cultural competence and exemplified fundamental tenets of collaboration and service.
Referring to the theme “Anchored in purpose and vision”, Dr Samuel pointed out that some awardees “have wrestled with what was initially regarded as barren grounds and rugged terrain, while others have excelled in brick and mortar institutions” Mindful of their destiny, the director lauded them for controlling their environments and developing quality circles.
Minister of State with responsibility for the Department of Youth Affairs, Senator Michael Joseph was also in attendance. He told the young leaders that they “are part of a generation that is more connected, more informed, and more empowered than ever before. Use that strength to challenge the status quo, to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves, and to pursue your passions with unwavering dedication,” he added.
In times of setbacks, Senator Joseph encouraged the youth to return to their “why’” and be anchored in the reason for the journey. He also reminded the young leaders that their light must continually illuminate the path for others.
Magnifying the theme, anchored in purpose and vision, Professor Robinson, who was the featured speaker, told the youthful audience that “purpose isn’t some faraway destination. It’s not just the awards you earn, the titles you hold, or the applause you hear tonight. Purpose is found in your daily decisions, the care you extend to yourself, others, and this beautiful nation we call home — from the bustling streets of St John’s to the serene shores of Half Moon Bay, from the lush hills of Fig Tree Drive to the historic sites of English Harbour”.
He applauded the awardees’ “incredible accomplishments” and pointed out that being anchored in purpose means “how we nurture ourselves, care for each other, and safeguard the treasures of this earth for generations yet to come.” He encouraged the youth to anchoring themselves in health and wellness.
“The choices you make today ripple far into the future. They’re the foundation of the life you’ll live,” professor Robinson said. He also urged the young people to anchor themselves in Care for Others. “While purpose begins within, it doesn’t end there. True purpose is revealed in how we care for others,” he stated.
Professor Robinson also highlighted the need to anchor ourselves in Environmental stewardship. “Now, let us turn to the vast, blue-green horizon surrounding us: our island, ocean, and planet. From Devil’s Bridge to Long Bay, we are blessed to live in paradise, but this paradise is fragile. If we don’t care for it, who will?” Professor Robinson encouraged the audience to reduce, reuse, and recycle and to “champion sustainable practices in your community, whether it’s in Clare Hall or Pigotts.”
