From left: Heidi Stoute, Cleviston Hunte, Director of Youth Affairs, Joy Adamson, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Larissa Small, Michron Robinson, the Hon. Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, and Kerrisha Skeete.

On Friday, May 31st, four young persons were presented with their National Youth and Special Acknowledgement Awards respectively, at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment's SKY Mall, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael. The special accommdation was given to the awardees because they were unable to attend last Sunday's event.

The intimate morning ceremony, hosted by Year of the Youth Coordinator, Elizabeth Bowen, was held to make presentations to National Youth Awardees, Michron Robinson and Larissa Small, winners of the Banyan and Calabash awards respectively.

Michron Robinson, who identifies as a Wellness Advocate, was awarded for her work within the space of Health and Wellness. The Banyan award focuses on celebrating an individual who has worked tirelessly to heighten the awareness of Heath and Wellness in Barbados. The Calabash Award, which focuses on an individual in the visual arts who is actively involved in, or an associate member of a culture-based organisation, was presented to the extremely talented visual artist, Larissa Small. The two awardees were ecstatic as they were presented with their awards by the Hon. Charles Griffith, Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment.

Also being recognised during the morning presentations were Special Acknowledgment Awardees, Heidi Stoute and Kerrisha Skeete. Heidi received a Special Acknowledgement Award for her outstanding contribution to sports in Barbados. She is an outstanding swimmer who has a track record of excellence in the pool, breaking all records before her. She is currently the national record holder for every freestyle event from the 100 meter to 1500 metre in the 13-14 age group.

Kerrisha Skeete was acknowledged for selflessly thinking of others before herself. She provided assistance to an elderly gentleman who was experiencing a seizure on a public service vehicle. Following the incident she even visited him in hospital to check up on him. This young lady has since received the Frederick Smith Secondary School’s highest award from the Positive Behaviours Management Programme and is one of three Peace Ambassadors of the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training. She is currently a trainee in the Barbados YouthADVANCE Corps.

Permanent Secretary, Joy Adamson presented the Special Acknowledgement Awards to Heidi Stoute and Kerrisha Skeete. Following the short presentation, the awardees took photos with Minister Griffith, Permanent Secretary Adamson and Mr. Clevistion Hunte, Director of Youth Affairs. They also shared the moment with their family and friends who joined them at the presentation.