Nineteen young people have an increased opportunity to enter the job market in Anguilla – thanks to the Department of Youth and Culture. They were presented at a mass gathering during the Eighth Annual Graduation under the Job Link-Up Programme held at DaVida Restaurant on November 4.
Seven of the graduates earned distinction. They were Lornecia Connor, Shedicia Fleming, Melinda Morain, Melissa Morain, Kaiheem Richardson, Kalysha Richardson and Khajudeen Richardson.
Nine graduated with merit as follows: Jervaurn Bardouille, Davisha Brooks, Sheronna Browne, Jameda Carty, Joseph Carty, Leon Dasent, Brianna Reid, Treson Richardson and Jessica Victor.
The remaining three – Satasha Daley, Geoffrey Hodge and Shibari Reid – graduated at the basic level. The certificates were distributed by the Minister of Social Development and Youth Affairs, Mr. Evans McNiel Rogers, assisted by his Permanent Secretary Mrs. Chanelle Petty Barrett.
In delivering his address, the Minister said in part: “I want to commend the Department of Youth and Culture, Mr. Bren Romney and his team, for the work they have been doing among the young people of Anguilla. I would also like to thank the folks in the Departments of Education, Probation, Social Development and the Anguilla Community College as well, for the part they have played for this group of graduates. I also thank the Advisory Board of the Job Link-Up Programme for their oversight. In addition, I thank the employers for giving the graduates a chance of employment at their various establishments; the mentors, counsellors and the parents for supporting them.”
The Minister congratulated the young people for completing the programme. “I want to thank you for your commitment and enthusiasm for reaching the goals you set for yourself,” he told the graduates. “I wish to remind you that the Government of Anguilla is committed to investing in the future of Anguilla by doing so, in you, through education.”
Others who participated in the graduation ceremony included Mr. Neville Hamilton who chaired the proceedings; Reverend Lindsay Richardson who did the Invocation; Ms. Lauraine Gumbs who gave the welcome remarks; Ms. Joleyne Robin, Senior Programme Officer – Youth who delivered an overview of the Job Link-Up Programme; Mrs. Hyacinth Bradley, Social Planner; Mr. Jaiden Fleming, Entrepreneur/Musician; Mr. Kaiheem Richardson, a graduate who delivered addresses and Ms. Melissa Morain who gave the Vote of Thanks.
Earlier, Mrs. Janis Elijah, who worked closely with the Job Link-Up Programme for some years, was the recipient of tokens of appreciation. They were received on her behalf by Ms. Angelina Carty.
