The six person contingent who represented Dominica at the Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council (CASC) Annual Expedition/Adventurous Journey have returned from Guyana, where they were hosted by the President’s Youth Award – Republic of Guyana (PYARG), from July 30 to August 15, 2010 at the Guyana School of Agriculture, Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
The group included National Director – Mrs. Delia Giddings-Stedman, CASC Deputy Expedition Leader – Crispin Jules, Contingent Leader – Rowann Remie, Gold Award participants Chard Dominique and Kerry Leslie from the Roseau Youth Centre Chapter and Silver Award participant Cuthbert Viville from the Carib Territory Chapter.
This annual summer get together which is in its 31st year afforded over 150 representatives from various Caribbean countries including Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago, a chance to explore Guyana as promoted by the theme “Experience the Nature Kingdom.”
The official opening ceremony featured the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. Frank Anthony, delivering the official remarks, while an address was also presented by the former Director of the PYARG, Mr. Alfred King, who now serves as the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. Other attendees included Americas Regional Director for the International Award – Mr. David Clark of Barbados, Chairman of CASC – Mr. John Williams of Grenada, Caribbean Development Officer – Mr. Bertillion Hamilton of St. Vincent, various dignitaries, supporters of the award program in Guyana and other invited guests. This was followed by a Cocktail Reception at the National Cultural Centre.
Due to the nature of the expedition Staff, Leaders and Assessors undertook a three-day jungle orientation and survival training at Camp Madewini while participants attended sessions focused on camp craft, first aid, water safety, map and compass reading. They also had an opportunity to participate in physical activity sessions, to ensure they were fit for the expeditions and engaged in several interactive workshops; learning ballroom and street dancing and sharpening their culinary skills.
Gold Level Award participants endured an intense 5-day hike through Region 8, beginning in the gold and diamond mining town of Mahdia and including two days navigating across the Potaro River to ascend to the summit of the majestic Kaieteur Falls (741 feet), the largest single drop waterfall in the world.
Silver Level Award participants hiked through Region 2, starting with a 5-hour ferry ride from Anna Regina across the Essequibo River to arrive at Feather Beach, visiting three separate Lakes along the Atlantic Coast – Capoey, Mainstay and Hot and Cold. During the hike they were hosted to a lunch by the Regional Chairman together with local Award Participants and also had an opportunity to interact with the Amerindian population living there, who presented them with tokens of appreciation.
To fulfil the Residential Project Section of the Award Program the participants also volunteered for two days with the Guyana Mangrove Restoration Project (GRMP) in the early morning hours at Hope, East Coast Demerara, planting mangrove seedlings and cleaning up the beach. “Mangroves are essentially forests that are found on the seacoast and riverside that can grow in areas of high salinity and tidal flooding. Apart from providing sea defences, mangroves serve to shield inland areas during storms; trap sediments and break down pollutants, serve as a source of food for fish, shrimp and crabs that live in rivers and shallow areas of the sea and provides a safe haven for juvenile fish, shrimp and crab located on Guyana’s coastline.”
The aim of this summer’s venture was to provide challenging, life-changing and personal development experiences for participants and foster a greater awareness of the social issues that impact the lives of Caribbean youths across the region. It also helped to achieve a certain level of Regional solidarity similar to the ideals promoted by CARICOM. These objectives were undoubtedly met as evidenced by the tear streaked faces that gathered around to say goodbye to the first departing contingents’ minutes after the conclusion of the closing ceremony and dance party.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program is an enriching; self-development program inviting young people aged 14-25 to participate in four types of activities over a set length of time, while advancing through three levels – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Award Program promotes involvement in Community Service, Skills Development, Physical Recreation, Adventurous Journeys/ Expedition and at the final level a Residential Project. Participants design their own unique program centered around their interests and passions, and it is entirely voluntary.
The group is presently hosting visiting St. Lucian Duke of Edinburgh Award participants who are on Island for a two week exchange. Preparations are also currently being undertaken in Dominica, as the Island is set to host the 2011 Caribbean Sub-Regional Council Annual Expedition/ Adventurous Journey under the theme “Exploring Wai’tukubuli,” from July 30 to August 14, 2011, which will based at the Isaiah Thomas Secondary School in St. Joseph.
Prepared and submitted by Rowann Remie: Leader and Assessor – the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Program – Commonwealth of Dominica.
As a parent of i feel proud to see young people engage in meaning full activities such as the scheme which is alive and well. more young people should embrace the scheme as another way to vent all the energies they have going to waste in other illegal activities.
ENCOURAGE OUR YOUTH IN A PROGRAM
nice to know this scheme is stilll going on. Really good program for young people.