Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 29, 2024 (SKNIS): Partners in youth development were honoured for their contributions in 2024, during the Department of Youth Empowerment’s Youth Month celebrations, which concluded on Thursday, November 28, 2024, with the annual Youth Service Reception and Awards. The event took place at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel, where recognition was also extended to longstanding partners of the department.
Honourable Isalean Phillip, Minister of State responsible for Youth Empowerment, extended a warm welcome to the invited guests, group members, and officials from various organisations in attendance. She expressed deep gratitude for their support throughout the year, noting that many of these partnerships were established years ago and continue to yield positive results to this day.
Guests were treated to a video presentation highlighting various activities held by the department during 2024, narrated by the outgoing Director of Youth Empowerment, Sahira Joseph.
Persons recognised included Claricia Langley Stevens, who received the Minister’s Award, and Patrice Harris, who received the Director’s Award. The St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association was recognised as the Most Outstanding Youth Organisation. Also awarded were: the St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank – Most Generous Sponsor; Island Auto Supply – Most Outstanding Partner; Eurecia Foster – Best Youth Volunteer, David Caines – Best Adult Volunteer, and Zakiya Maynard – Best Project by a 25 Most Remarkable Teen. Supporting Partners Troy Hendrickson, Sindy Smith and Nicole Boddie were also recognised.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Youth Empowerment, the Honourable Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, saluted all of the awardees and sincerely thanked Mrs. Joseph for her years of dedicated service to the department and the government by extension.
Youth Month 2024, held in November, featured a mix of new and traditional activities including the High School Chef Competition, Pyjama Talk, Minister’s Youth Forum, Youth Art Exhibition, and the 25 Most Remarkable Teens Awards.
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