YOUNG people have been recognised by Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a virtual ceremony titled, Resilient Through Entrepreneurship, Training Hope, Innovation, Networking and Knowledge: Rethink.
At the ceremony, 30 youths and youth-oriented organisations were presented with the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award. Almost 70 were nominated for awards this year.
The awards are given for contributions to science and technology, arts and culture, youth development, journalism, sports and academics.
Addressing the awardees, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said investing in youth and education were the greatest investments Jamaica can make in its future and that it was important for Jamaica to celebrate its youth and their achievement.
Holness said, “The efforts of young entrepreneurs to make the bold step to start-up businesses, or youth leaders making a difference in their communities, are often not highlighted. The projects you undertake, the experience and passion you bring will change the lives of others and are of great value.”
He encouraged awards and their friends to continue with the impactful work they have already begun.
Minister of Education, Youth and Information, Fayval Williams also spoke at the event.
She said, “Our young people today are finding new ways of being innovative, creative in various sectors, especially as you navigate and manipulate new technologies.”
She added, “We will continue to provide platforms to have conversations with older generations to implement change, whilst understanding the constraints and trade-offs to which age and experience can sometimes give a better insight.”
And she said older persons will need to be tolerant of differing views represented by the younger generation so that the country can achieve further development.
Insurance company Sagicor was a part sponsor of the event. Awardees were given a cash award with the company’s hope that it will be used by the youths to further excel.
