A number of young people in Anguilla, who were awarded during the Sixth Annual National Awards Ceremony, on October 3, have been told they should be proud of themselves.
The commendation came from the Minister of Social Development and Education, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers. She was addressing the large gathering at the Teachers’ Resource Centre, where the Department of Youth and Culture (DYC) held this year’s event.
The function is usually held at a tourism facility, given the special ambience, pomp and ceremony it is known for. However, there was hardly anything lacking in terms of accommodation and presentation at the new venue. The Teachers’ Resource Centre was attractively decorated in a way it had never been before – thanks to the DYC creative team supported by Gilbert Fleming (GAF) of Titanium Sound & Audio-Visuals.
It was in this atmosphere of seating re-arrangement, blinking lights, ‘smoke’ and other special effects, that the event was held – and in which Minister Kentish-Rogers spoke.
“I am heartened that all of you have taken the time to share in what is fast becoming the most prestigious event celebrating the achievements and contributions of our youth,” the Minister stated. “This is now our Sixth National Awards Ceremony. It is an event that has gone from strength to strength.
“As Minister of Youth, it is my honour to be a part of this celebration – and to say congratulations to all the young people who were nominated for awards, made it to the final list and those who will receive awards. That fact that you are nominated means that your achievement or contribution has not gone unnoticed. You ought to be very proud of yourselves.
“Too often we focus on the negative. We judge and we criticise; we belittle and underestimate our youth. Tonight, we celebrate our youth. These awards are small but are a genuine reflection of how our country should value young people. We live in a world where, too often, people’s worth is only recognised when we are departed. We want to change that message by clearly demonstrating to you, our young people, that we acknowledge your work. We acknowledge that you are assets to your country and that your age is not a determinant of your capacity, creativity or courage. This is why I smiled as the poem that introduced our nominees was penned by the creative mind of our Honourable Parliamentary Secretary, Mrs. Quincia Gumbs-Marie.
“It is on you that we rely to push the boundaries – and approach problem-solving without the burden of disillusionment which prevents so many of our elders from embracing new possibilities. All of us are here to show our appreciation to you and to encourage you to continue to be leaders in your various fields. No longer can we say young people are the future leaders. Young people are today’s leaders.”
Minister Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers and the Ministerial Assistant, Mr. Merrick Richardson, presented the awards to the winners.
Others who participated in the opening ceremony included the hosts – Ms. Samisha Connor and Mr. Aaron Adams; the President of the Anguilla National Youth Council, Mr. Neil Gumbs who gave the welcome remarks; the Chairman of the National Youth Awards Committee, Mr. Vonlee Harris, who delivered an overview of the Awards Selection Process; the CARICOM Youth Ambassador, Ms. Mikeela Skellekie, who presented the Caribbean Youth Day Challenge Programme; and the Director of the Department of Youth and Culture, Ms. Avon Carty, who gave the closing remarks.
The award winners and the fourteen categories, in which they participated, have been provided by the DYC. The referenced information appears in an extensive press release elsewhere in this edition of The Anguillian newspaper.
