Under the auspices of the Department of Youth and Culture, the week-long National Youth Conference ended last Saturday evening, September 28th with a youth Awards Ceremony at the Teachers’ Resource Centre. The conference proper was opened on Tuesday, September 24th, at La Vue Boutique Hotel.
Saturday evening’s event saw several youth recognized for their dedication to the national and personal development in various areas of service. They were highly applauded for the spirit of excellence they displayed in areas of public service, personal development, the arts, and leadership.
The event was chaired by Ms. Kyliyah Baird, Ms. Scociabank Talented Teen 2019, along with Mr. Kyrleson Klarem-Lewis, Premier of the Anguilla Youth Parliament.
The invocation was delivered by Pastor Denroy Gumbs, and the opening remarks were given by Mr. Cardigan Connor, Hon. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Affairs. He conveyed greetings from the Minister of Youth, Mr. Evan McNeil Rogers, and said: “I have much appreciation for the gifts and talents of those youth who are able to perform. You have a great opportunity to make the best of your talents. Over time your efforts will pay off.
“When you plant a seed today, you don’t expect to reap fruits today, but if you would be patient you will certainly reap in due time.” He applauded both the nominees and the award winners for work well done and service well rendered. He also recognized the dedication and support of their parents, without whom their success might not have been possible.
The award winners of the night were as follows:
For “Outstanding Youth / Organisation for Faith Based Achievement”, the nominees were: Kingdom Awakening Youth Group, Nu Life Productions, and Adventist Youth Society. The winner was the Adventist Youth Society. For Community Service the nominees were: Taizdaze Charity, iSpeak Autism Society, and the Optimist Club of Anguilla. The winner was the iSpeak Autism Society. For Outstanding Youth in Entrepreneurship the nominees were: Simonia Williams, Alrand Webster, and Delvicia MacDonna. The winner was Alrand Webster. For the “Friend of Youth” Award the nominees were: Neville Hamilton, Optimist Club of Anguilla, and Taizdaze Charity. The winner was the Optimist.
For the “Esteem Volunteer Award” the nominees were: Soya Williams, Jiva Niles, and Devon Carter. The winner was Devon Carter. For “Academic and Extra Curricula Excellence – Secondary”, the nominees were: Esmaily Mercedes -Hodge ,Briana Battick, and Kalea Richardson. The winner was Briana Battick. For “Academic and Extra Curricula Excellence Awards –Tertiary” the nominees were: Klein Harrigan and Malik Richard. The winner was Malik Richard. For “Outstanding Youth /Group in Sport” the nominees were: Tajhjani Brooks, Keiana Vanterpool, and Anguilla All Stars. The winner was Tajhjani Brooks. For “Outstanding Youth in Visual Arts” the nominees were: Carmel Gumbs, Jonathan Gumbs, and Chad Kent. The winner was Chad Kent. For “Outstanding Youth in Media” the noninees were: Rohan Petty, Jonathan Gumbs, and Jibri Klaren Lewis. The winner was Jibri Klaren Lewis.
For “Outstanding Youth in Performing Arts” the nominees were: Charisma Jones-Chin, Devon Carter, and Alvanique Frank. The winner was Charisma Jones Chin. For “Outstanding Youth in Literary Arts” the stand-alone nominee and winner was Rhonica Connor. For “Minister of Youth Affairs Excellence in Leadership Award” the nominees were: Annishka White, Neil Gumbs, and Taydra Fahie. The winner was Neil Gumbs. Finally, for “Minister of Youth Affairs Award for Excellence in Youth Work” the nominees were: Jemima Romney, John Millington, and Neville Hamilton. The winner was Jemima Romney.
Ms. Avon Carty, Director of the Department of Youth and Culture, wishes to thank the contributors to Youth Awards 2019. The supporters were: Ashley & Sons, Essential Stationery, the Anguilla Community College, Morlens Architecture, FLOW Anguilla, Social Security Board, DIGICEL Anguilla, the Anguilla Air & and Sea Ports Authority, The Anguillian, ANGLEC, the Anguilla Civil Service Union, Coral Reef Book Store, Just Imagine and the Department of Youth and Culture.
– Staff Reporter, James R. Harrigan
