TWENTY-FOUR awards were last week presented to youths in St Vincent and the Grenadines, who have been outstanding in a variety of disciplines.{{more}}

The National Youth Awards, in which youths were honoured for the significant contributions they have made to their nation, were held last Friday at Frenches House.

The feature speaker was Kezron Walters, who was recently called to the Bar of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

In a truly inspiring address, Walters encouraged the awardees to “change your mind and it will change your life”.

The young lawyer told the audience that their age does not limit their capabilities.

“Young people, do not let anyone tell you that you cannot do it. Set an example. Remove negativity and impossibility from your vocabulary,” he said.

While commending awardees for taking part in extracurricular activities, Walters encouraged them to be positive examples for others.

“It pays to be a well rounded individual. Employers are always looking to see what extra you can bring to the organization. Extracurricular activity aids in your development, it keeps you healthy and keeps you busy,” the lawyer said.

“I also encourage you to aspire; take that leap of faith, come out of your comfort zone…aspire to soar to new heights. If there is one thing there is no lack of in St Vincent and the Grenadines, it is opportunities”.

Minister of National Mobilization, Family Services, Persons with Disabilities, Gender and Youth, Frederick Stephenson expressed pleasure in his ministry being the driving force for youth empowerment in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Stephenson reflected on the various initiatives that the ministry has made available to young persons in the country.

Like Walters, Stephenson also encouraged awardees to be examples for others.

“We would distribute some 24 awards in various disciplines…as we highlight and recognize the achievements of youth and others who are making an impact in the national development plan.

“I therefore salute you for your stalwart contributions. You are setting examples for others to follow, showing that positive vibes are still among youth despite the negative influences being perpetrated through the media and I…want us in this age of technology, I want our young people to use the technologies to improve and advance themselves, not for negative vibes,” he said.

The award winners were: Kyle Edwards – football; Rodell Fraser – Beach volleyball; Angelique Allen – court volleyball; Kai James Bentick – squash; Shaffiqua Maloney – female in athletics; Reuberth Boyde – male in athletics; Zefal Bailey – Cycling; Dilione Sam – female in basketball; Darreo Glasgow – male in basketball; Elroy Foster – agriculture; DaJuanna Providence – tourism; ReaJhaun Baptiste – music; Roaul Weekes – Science and technology; Verna Browne – Entrepreneurship; Alyssa Ann LaBorde – Drama; Kaywne Goodgie – female in dance; Kanille Brudy – male in dance; Kaskie Miguel – Youth in community development; LaGracia Dance Company – group in dance; Jamelia Pope – adult contribution to youth development; Urban League Inc – community group of the year;

Appreciation awards for contribution to youth were also presented to: the SVG Coast Guard Youth Programme – 20 years of Youth programming; CPO Vinton John – dedicated service to youth SVG coast guard youth programme and Kaydawn Fergusson – achievements in entrepreneurship.