The Ministry of Social Transformation, Public Service, Human Resource Development, Youth and Sports will hold its annual National Youth Awards Gala on May 3, 2008. This annual event lauds the achievements of young entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, students, community volunteers and educators, highlighting their various outstanding contributions to both community and national development.
Five youth are compeling for the award of 2007 Most Outstanding Youth in Arts & Culture. These include Gasper George, an outstanding member and President of the Les Fleurs Sessene Quadrille who has devoted his time to the promotion of youth in culture; Trecia Andrea Herman, a teacher by profession and a member of the St Michael’s Youth Group; Gale Charles, a Kids Club supervisor and founder of the Youth Angel Dance Company; Cater John, Team Editor of the popular YO! Magazine and member of the Ghetto Stars and YATICKA organisations of Soufriere; and Shanfer Amedee of the Canaries Community Club who is also a lead organiser of the La Rose Festival and JounÈn KwÈyol activities in Canaries.
The talented Shanfer Amedee is also among those nominated for the Most Outstanding Youth in Social Development, along with Emrand Matthew, dedicated President of the Mabouya Valley Youth and Sports Council; Laura McVane, an early childhood caregiver and President of the Monchy Youth In Action; and Rohan Lubon, Principal of the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School.
Six outstanding young business leaders make up the nominees for the Most Outstanding Youth in Entrepreneurship Award. Among the four ladies and two men vying for the honour are Anthea Mathurin, who has successfully embarked upon a home-based service operation; Mary Cambell, owner of Kids World Education Centre; Gemma Mathurin, owner of an independent cosmetology business; and Saturna Jn Charles who also owns her own Hair Dressing Salon in Canaries. The two outstanding young men nominated in this area are Dale Elliot, owner of a leading automotive parts dealer currently employing 10 people; and Wayne Proposer, sole proprietor of his own barber establishment.
Cathy Mark of the St Lucia SDA Academy, Keidra Phillip, student of the St Joseph Convent, and Rhonda Papius of the Babonneau Secondary School are the three candidates for the prestigious Outstanding Student Leader Award.
Along with recognising the top District Youth and Sports Council and the Community Youth Club of the year, the Ministry of Social Transformation, Youth and Sports will also name the National Youth Awards 2007 Outstanding Youth of the Year, presenting them with the Wayne Louis Award for Excellence, so named after the National Youth Council’s 5th president. The nominees for this award are: Rohan Lubon, Sheldon Isaac, Eylim Henry, Laura McVane, Bradley Tisson, Cotne Melicia John, and Devon Stanley.
Among those performing at this Grand National Gala will be popular soca sensation Ninja Dan, singing his hit song "RISE" and winners of the just held Word Alive! spoken word competition, the artistic duo Afrolyrix.