The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service celebrated Youth Excellence at the 27th edition of the National Youth Awards at the Hyatt Regency Port of Spain, on Thursday 21st September, 2023.
In keeping with this year’s theme: Celebrating Youth Excellence, the Regency Ballroom was filled with young men and women from across Trinidad and Tobago who excelled in the face of adversities in categories as Youthful Resilience, Agriculture, Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and Technical Vocational Skills to name a few. For twenty- seven (27) years, the National Youth Awards has acted as an impetus for young persons who have selflessly dedicated their lives to the community and country in various sectors.
The Honourable Foster Cummings, Minister of Youth Development and National Service, in his address connected with the youth by encouraging them to be intentional as he outlined vision, focus, drive, resilience and enjoyment as requirements of intentionality. Minister Cummings noted, “Resilience – According to you, the young people, sometimes life will be ‘life-ing.’ Do not let the challenges along the way stop you from achieving your vision. You can pause but never quit.”
From the beginning of her feature address, Her Excellency Christine Carla Kangaloo, O.R.T.T, the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, encouraged the nation’s youth to continue breaking barriers and soaring to their fullest potential. Expressing pride in the excellence the nation’s youth displayed, Her Excellency expounded, “True excellence encompasses being the best all-round human beings that we can be.” This truly heartfelt address concluded with Her Excellency imparting sincere words of encouragement to the youth and congratulating them.
Government Ministers, Ambassadors, Permanent Secretaries, Mayors, Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State agencies and other officials were among the guests who attended the MYDNS premier event.
Awardees for the National Youth Awards
Ages 10 to 17 category:
- Agriculture: Jahmali Samuel
- Arts and Culture: Ihouma Straughn-George
- Entrepreneurship: Malik Thomas
- Leadership and Advocacy: Ciara Ravello-Darabie
- Learning and Academia: Sahara Ramkissoon
- Social Media Influencer: A’janae King Fraser
- Sport: Christian Winter
- Youthful Resilience: Imara Hector Joseph
Ages 18 to 35 category:
- Agriculture: Omar Ali
- Arts and Culture: Naomi Frederick
- Entrepreneurship: Josiah Jessop
- Leadership and Advocacy: Alicia Ramdal
- Learning and Academia: Phillip Simon
- Social Media Influencer: Roxy James
- Sport: Trent Bethel
- Youthful Resilience: Arron George
Youth Groups
- Arts and Culture: Diatonic Pan Institute
- Environmental Sustainability and Preservation: Globe Club of Brazil Secondary School
- Model Youth Development Programme: Ryu Dan Empowerment Foundation
- Outstanding Youth Group: The Heroes Foundation
- Youth Service and Humanitarianism: Autism Siblings and Friends Network
Open 10 to 35
- Health and Wellness: Ishmael Moreno
- STEM: Farrah Mathura
- Technical Vocational Skills: Makell Baptiste
- Youth Service and Humanitarianism: Gabriella Wyke
Special 35 +
- Youth Mentor and Advocate: Marva John-Logan
Dr. Charles Honrary Recognition
- Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (Ages 10 to 17) Miracle Carr and Matthias Dalip
- Youth Service and Humanitarianism (Ages 10 to 17) Shivanan Maraj
- Agriculture (Ages 18 to 35) Jabari Clarke
Youth of the Year
- Jahmali Samuel (Age 10 to 17)
- Ishmael Moreno (Age 18 to 35)
The Ministry of Youth Development and National Service (MYDNS) remains committed to advancing the lives of our young people by recognizing their valuable contributions towards our country’s economic and sustainable future.
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