By Kayra Williams

Depending on who you ask, the word ‘youth’ has varying definitions. To some, only those under 25 can be classed as youth. For others, like organizers of the recently held youth awards, one can be considered a youth once they’re under 35!

The 2008 youth awards was held on Saturday May 3 at the Gaiety Night Club. Though some effort had gone into the stage dÈcor, the set-up could not be compared to the extravagant stage display of the previous year; organizers had gone all out with a detailed model scene of Marigot Bay complete with an anchor and the podium had been tied to a dock. This year, things were toned down tremendously and the theme revolved around independence—streams of blue and yellow cloth hung from the ceiling.

Minister of Youth and Sports Lenard Montoute gave the opening remarks at the celebration and showed his appreciation to the dedicated and hardworking nominees. "When we invest in our youth we cannot go wrong," said Montoute. "Those of us in leadership positions must have the interest of our country at heart and work towards that. We need to give youth the opportunity to share and impart their knowledge. This is the only way we will be guaranteed transformation in our society."

Tracy Dolcy, the 1st Vice President of the National Youth Council was the inspirational speaker for the evening. Radio St Lucia’s Alisha Ally and Janickae Wilson were the emcees for the night and before any winning announcements were made, the two gave short bios of the seemingly extensive list of nominees.

In the end, Keidra Phillip, a student of the St Joseph’s Convent was the most outstanding student leader. Keidra had competed with Rhonda Paplus and Cathy Mark for the award. Tricia Andrea Herman, a teacher by profession, was the most outstanding youth in Arts & Culture. Nominees in the business aspect included Anthea Mathurin, Mary Campbell, Gemma Mathurin, Saturna Jn Charles, Wayne Proposer and Bumper to Bumper’s Dale Elliot. Mary Campbell rose to the top of the group and went away with the award for the most outstanding youth in entrepreneurship.

The Mabouya Valley Youth and Sports Council was obviously the most excited of all winners, to receive their award. One member of the group came running at top speed towards the stage to claim the groups award for the District youth club of the year. Their award was one of two group awards presented for the night. The other went to the Monarch Sports and Cultural Club; they won the award for Community Youth Club of the Year.

Rohan Lubon was not only the most outstanding youth in social development, the 34-year-old principal of Leon Hess Secondary won the prestigious award of Youth of the Year. The feat is definitely something his students can emulate. Organizers of the award show said the event was a tremendous success. Their judgement was made evident when Caribbean Soca Monarch Ninja Dan closed the show with a spectacular performance of ‘Rise.’ Ninja Dan got the crowd out of their seats and even managed to include prime minister Stephenson King, who was also a patron of the event, into his performance. The Soca performer had the St Lucian leader waving and singing along.

‘Rise’ was quite appropriate for the event but his performance was hardly the sole source of entertainment for the night. The young duo Afrolyrix, winners of the 2008 Word Alive competition graced the audience with their intriguing lyrics. After a dramatic performance by the Christylights dance troupe, Les Fleur Sesenne Group, also nominated for the Community Youth Group of the Year, dazzled the audience with a truly national performance featuring traditional St Lucian dress and quadrille movements.

Caption:Rohan Lubon, principal of the Leon Hess Secondary School won the prestigious award for Youth of the Year at this year youth awards.