The uniquely styled youth Leadership Programme, ‘Taking the LEAD’ designed by Mr Bernard B. Wattley and delivered through the Comprehensive Learning Centre, was once again offered for the period September 7th to December11th 2014. This second offering was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Anguilla Social Security Board. During the 3-month leadership programme, the youths were exposed to the theoretical and practical processes involved in effective leadership and they were also engaged in deliberations regarding various issues associated with these processes. The 3-hour seminars included discussions on LEADership As A Strategic Function, LEADership As An Ethical Process, LEADership As A Developmental Process, LEADership As Communication, LEADership As An Intellectual Exercise, LEADership As A Strategic Function, LEADership As An Ordered Function, LEADership As A Collective Process, LEADership As An Economic Function, LEADership As Responsibility, and LEADership As Practice.
With the professional facilitation of 9 coaches, the young leaders learnt how to diagnose such issues, generate options and implement innovative solutions. On Thursday 11 December, under the auspices of her Excellency Governor Christina Scott, 20 of the young persons from Cohort II graduated during the Certificate Presentation Ceremony which was held at the Governor’s residence. During the ceremony which was chaired by Mr Clemvio Hodge, a graduate of Cohort I of the Taking the LEAD programme, the experienced team of coaches, namely Mr David Carty, Deputy Governor-Mr. Stanley Reid, Mr Douglas Wattley, Mr Keith Stone Greaves, Mr Thomas Samuel, Mr Ivan Connor, Mr. Bren Romney, Pastor Gleason Brooks and Mrs. Erma Skelton were all recognised by the graduates of Cohort II, for expertly conducting the fora and infusing energy, zeal and commitment during the very interactive sessions.
Governor Christina Scott congratulated the graduates for recognizing the leadership potential within themselves and then taking the lead to further develop those capabilities. Chairman of the Anguilla Social Security Board, Mr Alkins Rogers praised the Comprehensive Learning Centre for its execution of the Taking the LEAD programme and stated that the Board was convinced that the first offering of the programme bore much fruit making the decision to sponsor the programme a relatively easy one. Mr Rogers also commented on the importance of youth leadership in the decision making processes, and asserted that as an institution, the Social Security Board ensures that it supports programmes that enhances the well-being of the youth and the aged. Mrs. Melisse Jennings, another graduate of Cohort I and who served as Programme Coordinator for the Cohort II symposium, took the lead and gave an overview of the programme. Another 5 graduates of Cohort I also officiated in the ceremony. Three young active leaders from the community, Ms Marija Smith, Mr Alexis Ryan and Mr Kevin Hawley also shared words of inspiration with the graduates while another young leader, Mr Perry Hughes’ instrumental rendition on the keyboard warmed the hearts of the ceremony’s attendees. The organisers of Taking the LEAD training programme are highly appreciative of everyone who contributed to its success thus far and look forward to the continued support required to ensure that well-rounded, influential young leaders continue to arise and take up the leadership mantle.
– Press Release
(Published without editing by The Anguillian newspaper.)
