Last Updated on December 2, 2023, 12:38 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Youth Development Partners were recognised for their contributions in 2023 as the Youth Empowerment Division culminated the celebration of Youth Month at the annual Youth Service Reception and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, November 30, 2023.
The function was held at Royal St Kitts at the hotel. The ceremony was attended by Acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley, Minister of State for Youth Empowerment Isalean Phillip and Permanent Secretary for Youth Empowerment Janelle Lewis-Tafari.
The evening featured a presentation on “A Year in Review” by Sahira Joseph, Director of Youth Empowerment. She highlighted the successful results of ongoing programs and activities, including the following:
- 25 Most Notable Teen Awards,
- a fun day for children with disabilities,
- a residential summer camp
- environmental cleanup.
In addition, new initiatives were introduced during the year, such as the star girl and the star girl, a special Mother’s Day event, and the minister’s youth caravan, e.g. Minister of State Phillip recalled the tremendous achievements of 2023 and thanked many volunteers, organizations and businesses who volunteer their time, effort and resources to help the ministry fulfil its mission of providing effective and efficient services to promote youth development.
“.We appreciate you all being here as key stakeholders, supporters, friends, allies, and so thank you for all you do to support youth development in St. Kitts and the Federation in general,” she said in her brief greetings.
Several awards were presented later that evening. The Distinguished Service Award went to Diane Dunrod-Francis, and Ian Richards was presented with the Ministerial Award.
Myrah Jeffers received the director’s award. S. L. Horsford and Company Ltd was recognized as the most generous sponsor, and Clean Seas received the award for best partner.
The title of the best youth organization was given to Anjolique Dance Company. Individual awards were the Adult Volunteer Award to Damier Hazel and the Youth Volunteer Award to Shakim Forbes. Additionally, Maya Lake, Malachi Tucker-Gumbs, Sidondre Flemming and Laquandre Lowrie jointly received the Most Outstanding Teen Volunteer Project Award.
The winners, first and second runners-up of the high school cooking contest, were honoured at a youth services reception, and certificates were presented to those who completed the CPR certification courses held in November.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
