The Most Honourable Andrew Holness, known by our generation as the Most Hon BroGad, hosted his National Youth Awards for Excellence on November 30, where 48 of the nation’s youth were presented with Awards for Excellence on the lawns of Jamaica House.

The Ardenne High School choir started the ceremony with a harmonious rendition of the National Anthem. During the night there were performances by Clan Carthy Primary School, Campion College’s Dance Ensemble, Rondell Positive, Victoria Taft, the 2019 winner of the Digicel Rising Star, Sherlon Russell, Plie for the Arts and more.

The award recipients, which included new Reggae sensation Mikayla ‘Koffee’ Simpson; entertainer, Jamila Falak James; Reggae Girl, Jody Brown; Olympic Diver, Yona Knight-Wisdom; and popular YouTuber, Rushaine ‘Duttyberry’ Berry were selected from 87 nominees in 12 categories.

They were presented in the categories of Academics, Agriculture, Arts and Culture, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Protection, Innovation in Science and Technology, International Achievement, Journalism, Leadership, Sports and Youth Development and Nation Building.

Three of the Nation Builder Awardees were also presented with a $100,000 bursary from Jamaica National Bank, while 12 of the nominees were presented with $100,000 bursary from Sagicor.

“Together we can make a difference” these were sentiments expressed by the State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the Hon Arlando Terrolongue aka LIT BOSS. He reiterated the importance of Youth in Jamaica, and thanked stakeholders in the country for supporting them.

“Together we can make a difference” these were sentiments expressed by the State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, the Hon Arlando Terrolongue aka LIT BOSS. He reiterated the importance of Youth in Jamaica, and thanked stakeholders in the country for supporting them.

Minister with responsibility for Education, Youth and Information the Honourable Karl Samuda ended the night being referred to as “ProGad”. He got this name after referring to the Prime Minister as “ProGad” instead of “BroGad”. Therefore, the hosts decided that it would be his name going forward. Minister Samuda highlighted the importance of working hard to be successful quickly. He hopes that the conversation will no longer be about when we get to our destination but how fast we get there.

The Prime Minister assured the Youth that their voices will be heard and incorporated in the policies of the country. According to Holness “We as a country need a renaissance where we rebuild the value system” and as such it is of utmost importance to have the Youth awards.

He placed his bet on the young people of Jamaica because he believes that they’ll not forsake their values and will rescue brand Jamaica. His motive is to highlight the positive young people of the country and he hopes it will encourage other young people.

Jevaughn Gordon was among the persons nominated for the Nation Builder Award. He expressed his thanks to God for the opportunity to have been nominated.

The ceremony was indeed LIT, commendations must be given to the Prime Ministers Youth Awards planning team.

–Akkeem Polack