Aubrey Stewart: Committed to service

Stephan Rhooms, Youth Focus Writer

Western Bureau:

His humble demeanour and mature outlook on life are two of the defining features that impress people who have encountered 18-year-old Aubrey Stewart, who has a driving passion to provide service to his community.

The Cornwall College student, who serves in the St James Parish Youth Council and is a sergeant in the Jamaica Combined Cadet Force, is committed to service.

Balancing his schoolwork with his other responsibilities is something Stewart treats seriously. Therefore, he allocates his time wisely and maintains an efficient schedule.

"I am a careful and competent individual who seeks to find good in even negative situations," said Stewart. "I am also very optimistic, humble, and extremely dedicated to injecting change in whatever I do. I like socialising and meeting new people."

Stewart was the only Jamaican who participated in last year's international BGC Charity Day, which was hosted by the United Kingdom. He represented the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

During the philanthropic event in the United Kingdom, Stewart met the Prince of Wales and raised over £200,000 for the one-day event.

Every year, BGC and Cantor Fitzgerald donate all their global revenue to charities around the world by hosting charities and celebrity ambassadors in commemoration of the 658 employees who died in the 2001 World Trade Centre attacks.

Outstanding efforts

One of Stewart's most outstanding efforts to serve the community is in his capacity as chairman of the St James Youth Information Centre, where he formed Youth Organisation for Upliftment (YOU), which was founded in 2009.

"The vision of YOU is to create a dynamic core of responsible, well-trained students from youth organisations that are recognised at all levels of society," said Stewart. "The aim is to have empowered and committed young leaders who are properly prepared for nation building through exemplary leadership, charity, service, and the upliftment of youth."

"I was the student ambassador for Cornwall College and western Jamaica in the Emerging Global Leadership Programme," said Stewart. "I have a passion for charity and giving of my time to a worthy effort, and I hope to continue doing that."