Commonwealth Queen’s Young Leader recognized in home community

Commonwealth Queen’s Young Leaders award winner, Kenville Horne has been recognized and celebrated in his community of Rose Hall.

On Monday, February 23, villagers in the community and others from outside converged in their numbers at the Rose Hall community centre to celebrate Horne’s historic achievement.{{more}}

Community Activist and Business woman, Anesta Rodney paid tribute to Horne who is affectionately called “Fonando” in Rose Hall. Rodney said Horne grew up in Rose Hall and from a tender age he was destined to find a life for himself.

“I am happy, happy, real glad for Fonando” said Rodney.

Rodney said Horne has a big heart, “he has grown to be a little man and a big man at the same time, with ambition and because of that we are sitting here in this hall tonight” said the community leader.

Horne, a journalist, was born to Bellmar Horne of Rose Hall and former police officer Osborne Phillips of Bequia. Rodney, in her tribute said that Horne is always on the go, and moving with ambition.

The Community activist also highlighted the contribution made by Clare Valley resident, Aliena James, who she said financed Horne’s tertiary education at the SVG Community College.

It was while Horne was a employee at the Division of Physical Education, that he started the Kenville Horne Sports Academy for disadvantaged and at risk youths in the community. Rodney said that Horne would leave Lowmans every week to train the children in Rose Hall, “and we say thanks to him, Rose Hall is proud of you.

“On the basis of what he is doing, someone recommended him for the award” she further added, before imploring Horne to remember where he came from and to be humble.

“Humility is there to guide you,” she said before presenting him with an award for his outstanding achievement. Rodney concluded her presentation by thanking Unity Labour Party candidate for North Leeward Carlos James for playing a pivotal role in the ceremony to honour Horne.

A tribute also came from community activist and member of the Rose Hall Drummers, Sellywn Patterson. Patterson said he knew Horne since he was a little boy and that he felt proud of his accomplishment.

Another Community Activist, Hayden Ferdinand commended the young man for his achievement and dedication towards the community, North Leeward and SVG as a whole. Carlos James also paid tribute to Horne, before presenting him with an award.

In his response, Horne expressed thanks to everyone who came out to show support, Aliena James for sending him to the Community College and to Carlos James for his support. He said the trials and tribulations that he endured was an experience which allows him to make a difference in the lives of others. He therefore encouraged the youths to remain humble and show respect, while pledging to continue to give back to his community,

“I will continue to represent Rose Hall and to do whatever I can to make the community proud,” said Horne to roaring applause.

Horne is among 60 young persons from the Commonwealth and only 6 from the entire Caribbean to be recognized for their outstanding service to community by the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Committee. As a result of winning the award he was offered a online course from the University of Cambridge, and in June will be travelling to the United Kingdom for a two week residential stay, during which time he would receive his award from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. He was also earlier this year presented with an award at the National Sports Awards for Exemplary Voluntary service and was recognized by members of parliament during the 2015 budget debate.