A special call has been issued to Dominican youth to keep excelling in all aspects of life by this year’s National Youth Council of Dominica (NYCD) male and female youth of the year and most outstanding youths of the year.
During the NYCD 13th National Youth Awards (NYA), Sheldon ‘Shelly’ Alfred was awarded the Male Youth of the Year, and the NYCD’s President Most Outstanding Youth of the Year award for his exemplary contribution to the art form of music,s his exceptional leadership, mentorship for young people and outstanding service to his community and country by extension.
For her mark in the philanthropy, volunteerism and business sectors, Lakeya Joseph took home the prestigious award of Female Youth of the Year, and the Prime Minister of Dominica National Youth Leader of the Year award.
Speaking on his achievement and offering words of encouragement, Alfred, who recently graduated from Harvard University, stressed that such an accolade only serves as a motivation to keep pushing forward.
“This story is a testament that you can grow without losing your sense of self. I say that because about seven years ago I was awarded at the youth award for the outstanding youth in music and tonight I am the outstanding male of the year. Removing music doesn’t mean that music is out of the door; I have grown as an individual beyond music,” he said.
“I don’t know what will come next but this award is for the hard work and those to come. Young people, rise to the occasion and grow, but while you grow, don’t lose your sense of self. be you and always be grateful,” the artist added.
A similar appeal was made by Joseph who is the founder of Nature Blends, a health and wellness company that specialises in exotic teas, extracts, powders and oils and who also copped the award for Outstanding Youth in Entrepreneurship.
She urged the youth of Dominica to develop a positive mindset which, according to her, often leads to great achievements.
“Being a leader can be very tough but for me, it comes naturally and it is very easy,” Joseph said. “I always promote positive energy and I want to encourage everyone to ensure that you lift somebody else up, which will also help in your growth.”
At this year’s ceremony, 32 youths were nominated across fourteen categories. The other winners included:
- Outstanding Youth in Agriculture: Alyah Leblanc,
- Outstanding Community Youth Organization Award: St. Mary’s Academy 4-H Club
- Outstanding Youth in Climate Activism and Environmental Advocacy Award: Jeanelle Brisbane
- Outstanding Youth in Creative and Literary Arts Award: Zoe Bannis
- Outstanding Youth or Youth Organization in Cultural Preservation and National
Heritage Award: Tasha Peltier
- Outstanding Youth in Digital Transformation Award: Davidson Edwards
- Outstanding Youth Living with Disabilities Award: Alistair Abel
- Outstanding Youth in Diaspora Award:: Dr. Jerelle Joseph
- Outstanding Youth in Indigenous Cultural and Traditional Preservation Award: Adicia Burton
- Outstanding Youth in Liberal & Performing Arts (music, drama, dance) Award: Alyssa Letang
- Outstanding Youth in Media Award: Derzan Peltier
- Esteemed Volunteer Award: Felicia Pierre
- JCI Dominica Fadelle Yankey Excellence in Leadership Award: Shervin Dominique
In addition to the 14 nominated categories, the NYCD also awarded seven other special awards to the Most Outstanding Youth Group of the Year, which went to the Youth Emergency Action Committee (YEAC); Most Outstanding NYCD Executive Member of the Year, Phael lander; District Youth Council of the Year, East District Youth Council; The Sugar George Inc. Phoenix Award, Jermali Dimitri Pierre and the Male and Female and Most Outstanding Youth of the Year as previously noted.
Below are photos of the winners in the various categories. Photo credit NYCD’s Facebook page.
And another farce enacted by this Dominicas CM just for propaganda purposes. However, what’s most worrying that the young people are willing to participate in this charade. I mean some have had a very good education and surely must see what’s actually going on in Dominica, but instead of criticising this government and it’s leader, they actually cosy up to it. Worrying times for our country and the effort to get rid of corruption, crime and the most opaque government.
There we go, another world beating event. Right on par with that state of the art international airport, or perhaps that world class hospital, world class tourist product and world leading corruption. Congratulations DA in about 200 years you will be there, in the meantime we just put up with eye watering corruption.