21 receive PM’s National Youth Awards
Published:Monday | April 22, 2024 | 12:08 AMPaul H. Williams/Gleaner Writer
Fifty young people were nominated for the 2023 Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence (PMNYAE) \, and on Saturday evening, on the lawns of Jamaica House, 21 nominees became awardees.
They are Kuti Kamau Ra, Nile Anderson, Aayush Jain, Tashae Bowes (academics); Acquille Dunkley (arts and culture); Aisha Campbell, Craig Powe, Phillip Griffiths, Shane Miller (entrepreneurship/social entrepreneurship); Carlton Bell, Toni-Ann Williams (agriculture); Kadrian Goldson, Kemba Nelson (sports); Jevaughn Gordon, Romardo Lyons (journalism/e-journalism); Kevouy Reid (youth development); Evad Campbell (music); Kristia Franklin (new media); Tahje Wallen (nation-building); Odane Brooks (national leadership), and Dr Janeala Morsby (innovation in science and technology).
In addition, there were two special awards and a ‘Viewer’s Choice’ award. The recipient of the Prime Minister’s Special Award is illustrator Roshane ‘Paint Zombie’ Taylor, creative director and lead artist for the ‘Paint The City Project’. The Edna Manley alumnus’ work has been publicised in local and international publications. His involvement in the ‘Paint Jamaica’ project has influenced a renaissance in local street art and has drawn attention to his work and illustrative prowess.
‘A beacon of hope’
The Portland Arts and Vocational Education Centre was recognised for standing “as a beacon of hope and opportunity in Port Antonio, nurturing the talents and aspirations of its youths for over a decade, rooted in a mission to address youth unemployment and uplift disadvantaged communities”.
The “first-ever” Viewers’ Choice Award went to Tashae Bowes, also a winner in the academic category. All four winners in that category will get a quarter of the $500,000 donated by Sagicor in addition to their share of the $2.3 million sponsored by HEART/NSTA Trust. Each recipient was also given a bag of goodies. They were selected from a list of more than 100 applicants.
In a pre-event release, while equating the PMNYAE to the National Honours and Awards, chairman of the PMNYAE Selection Committee Fabian Brown said the award “is the highest honour that the country can bestow upon its young people for the great work and talent they display in the various categories”. He also said he was “very impressed and encouraged” by the calibre of applications that were submitted.
‘Inspiration for others’
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the keynote speaker, presented the recipients with their awards. In his address, he said, “We gather here this evening to celebrate these qualities in our young people and to award those who through natural talents, resilience, and perseverance, achieved a level of excellence in diverse spheres.”
“Many of our past recipients have gone on to further excel nationally and internationally across various sectors … . These awards are not only important for the national recognition it gives to awardees, but it serves as a platform for the contribution of young people to be projected as inspiration for other young persons to pursue excellence … Over the years we have expanded the award categories from eight in 2018 to over 20 this year for individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 who have exemplified excellence and made significant contributions to our society.”
Also addressing the gathering were Dr Kasan Troupe, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Youth; Dr Taneisha Ingleton, managing director, HEART/NSTA Trust; and Fayval Williams, minister of education and youth.
In the programme book, Williams says: “These young people between the ages of 15 and 29 have demonstrated dedication, compassion, and selflessness, making a significant impact on the lives of others. As the minister of education and youth, I am encouraged by the spirit of volunteerism and civic responsibility that thrives within our youths. Your actions remind us that positive change begins at the grass-roots level, and it is through your collective efforts that our communities flourish.”
The PMNYAE was introduced in 1998 to recognise young Jamaicans who have excelled and contributed to national development. Since then, approximately 300 awards have been given to young Jamaicans who have achieved exceptional national and international distinction. The awards endorse each recipient as a positive role model for their peers and seek to promote attitudinal change and social renewal by reinforcing the positive values of self-discipline, hard work, dedication, and humility.