Clarendon Youth Council honours outstanding leaders

On January 26, the Clarendon Parish Youth Council, a key sub-council of the National Youth Council of Jamaica (NYCJ), hosted the 4th Annual Clarendon Youth Awards at the Clarendon Youth Innovation Centre (YIC).

This prestigious event celebrated the exceptional achievements of the region’s youth under the theme: ‘Clarendon’s Pulse: The Heartbeat of Youth Leadership’.

The evening honoured young leaders excelling in academics, sports, community service, and volunteerism, reaffirming their vital role in shaping the future.

The gala was skillfully led by Britney Bowen, CEO of The Women For Change Empowerment Organization, alongside an executive team comprising president Termario Daniels, vice president Gabriella Matthews, secretary Saskea Edwards, treasurers Kimoy Fuller and Lisa Simone Taylor, and public relations officers Denecia Powell-Minott and Shalom Bryan.

Miss Clarendon Festival Queen 2022, Sheri-Gaye Johnson, delivered an inspiring keynote address, while Miss Teen Effortville, Chloe Codner, captivated the audience with a compelling dub poetry performance.

Honorary Council Members

Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and organisations, the event successfully recognised two past presidents with the prestigious Honorary Council Member Awards: Gareth Warren (2018-2020) and Rajaé Lewis (2021-2023).

This year, several outstanding individuals were awarded for their remarkable contributions:

• Tonishae Smith – Outstanding Developmental Area Coordinator (Mocho Division)

• Dunsting Cohen – Sports Excellence

• Toniann Wilson – Dedication to Volunteerism

• Dr Kenyata Thomas – Impact in Community Development

• Beyonce Sutherland – Achievements in Tertiary Education

• Nicholas Salmon – Outstanding Performance in Secondary Academics

• Zantaye Thomas – Exemplary Leadership

• Kadian Carter-Harriott – Long Service in Youth Development

• Kristena Allison, president of The Dawkins Youth Club and Deputy Youth Mayor of Clarendon, was named Member of the Year.

Since its inception, the Clarendon Youth Awards has recognised over 25 young leaders, creating a lasting legacy of inspiration. President Termario Daniels emphasised the importance of continuing this tradition, stating: “We aim to inspire others to lead and make a lasting impact in their communities.”

With its commitment to empowering young leaders, the Clarendon Parish Youth Council looks forward to fostering an even brighter future for the youth of the region.

editorial@gleanerjm.com