The celebration of the youth of the nation duringNational Youth Month continued with a night of honoring youth and youthmentors at the 2022 National Youth Awards at the Myles Munroe DiplomatCenter, October 26th, 2022.

Under the theme for the month “Youth Building a B.O.L.D. Future: Bright,Optimistic, Label-less and Diverse,” The National Youth Awards brought togetheryoung people who are making impactful change in the nation.

Taking the time out to honor and encourage the youth of the nation is importantto the nation’s destiny and prosperity, according to the Prime Minister andMinister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis.

“My one dream today is of a Bahamas where all young people can dream freelyand boldly. I envision The Bahamas where all our youth have the engagement,resources, and support necessary to step into adulthood as happy, thriving,fulfilled individuals. Tonight, we gather here to honor talented young Bahamiansand stand in firm support of their dreams. We must never tire of working for abetter Bahamas.”

The prime minister also reminded all youth to strive toward positivity and to beproactive and protective of the goals they have set for themselves.

“I encourage you to never allow the flame of promise to go out. Nurture yourdreams and guard your future with everything you’ve got,” he said. “Cultivate anattitude of radical optimism. No matter what, fight for the good and never allowthe dissenting voice to deter you from your destiny. You are born to be great. Youare born to lead. You are born to be you.”

The Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg emphasized themagnitude of the youth remaining an active part of society.

“You all are truly deserving of this moment. We believe that there is no future ifour youth are not sitting at the table, lending a hand in the developmentprocess,” he said.

The Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon.Clay Sweeting, who presented the award for Youth in Agriculture, encouraged andapplauded the youth who have dedicated their time and advocacy to theadvancement of agriculture in The Bahamas.

“As a result of their contributions, these agriculturalists play a crucial role in thelife of our economy and are considered the backbone of our economic system,”he said.

In addition to the youth awardees, there were also special tributes and Patronawards given to Leslie and Yvonne McDonald, a couple from Grand Bahama whohelped to shape the lives of youth through community outreach programs such asthe forming of the ‘Legends Marching Band’ by Mr. McDonald and the role ofCommandant of the Grand Bahama Girls’ Brigade by Mrs. McDonald.

A posthumous Patron award was also given to sports legend and communitybuilder, Anita Doherty.

“Their life’s work reflects invaluable contributions to the advancement of ouryouth, youth organizations and the strength of our nation. Their boldness andcourage have paved the way for many of us to be here today,” Minister Bowlegsaid of the Patron award recipients.

In addition to musical tributes to the Lifetime Achievement awardees, the nightsaw lively performances by the Urban Renewal Youth Band, Prophet Lawrence“The Singing Bishop” Rolle and various musical tributes to the Patron Awardees.After acknowledging the importance of pausing to honor high-achieving youthand mentors, Minister Bowleg reminded the youth of the significance of livingboldly.

“Remember that you are enough. There is no room for doubt. Be bold enough toembrace the opportunities before you. To make a difference. The world is waitingfor you,” he said.

Awardees List:

Louise Simmons Youth Ally  
Antoine Duncombe 
Youth in Education 
Rashad Cunningham
Youth in Sports Award
Hannah D’aguilar 
Youth in Entrepreneurship Award
Blaire Percentie 
Youths in Arts and Culture Award
Nathan McPhee 
Patty Miller Youth in Government Award
Denzel Bazard 
Youth in Personal Triumph Award
Caleb Johnson 
Youth in Leadership Award
A’Kari Burnside 


Rising Star Awards
Community Volunteerism: Anwar Rolle Jr.
Sports: Taylen Nicolls
Education: Jerlea Adderley
Leadership: Tracy Johnson
Environment: Aaliyah Rolle
Patron Award
Leslie McDonald
Yvonne McDonald
Anita Doherty
Youth in Religion Award
LaCroix Gibson

Youth in the Environment Award
Dellon Evans 
Youth in Agriculture Award
Matthew Williams 
Youth in Community Volunteerism Award
Tonica Gardiner 
Youth Organization Award
Rotaract club
People’s Choice Award
Dachye Stubbs 
Director’s Cup 
Caleb Johnson 
Minister’s Cup
Blaire Percentie


Prime Minister’s Cup
Rashad Cunningham

 

The celebration of the youth of the nation during National Youth Month continued with a night of honoring youth and youth mentors at the 2022 National Youth Awards at the Myles Munroe Diplomat Center, October 26th, 2022. Under the theme for the month “Youth Building a B.O.L.D. Future: Bright, Optimistic, Label-less and Diverse,” The National Youth Awards brought together young people who are making impactful change in the nation. Taking the time out to honor and encourage the youth of the nation is important to the nation’s destiny and prosperity, according to the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Philip Davis. “My one dream today is of a Bahamas where all young people can dream freely and boldly. I envision The Bahamas where all our youth have the engagement, resources, and support necessary to step into adulthood as happy, thriving, fulfilled individuals. Tonight, we gather here to honor talented young Bahamians and stand in firm support of their dreams. We must never tire of working for a better Bahamas.” The prime minister also reminded all youth to strive toward positivity and to be proactive and protective of the goals they have set for themselves. “I encourage you to never allow the flame of promise to go out. Nurture your dreams and guard your future with everything you’ve got,” he said. “Cultivate an attitude of radical optimism. No matter what, fight for the good and never allow the dissenting voice to deter you from your destiny. You are born to be great. You are born to lead. You are born to be you.” The Minister of Youth Sports and Culture, the Hon. Mario Bowleg emphasized the magnitude of the youth remaining an active part of society. “You all are truly deserving of this moment. We believe that there is no future if our youth are not sitting at the table, lending a hand in the development process,” he said. The Minister of Agriculture, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs, the Hon. Clay Sweeting, who presented the award for Youth in Agriculture, encouraged and applauded the youth who have dedicated their time and advocacy to the advancement of agriculture in The Bahamas. “As a result of their contributions, these agriculturalists play a crucial role in the life of our economy and are considered the backbone of our economic system,” he said. In addition to the youth awardees, there were also special tributes and Patron awards given to Leslie and Yvonne McDonald, a couple from Grand Bahama who helped to shape the lives of youth through community outreach programs such as the forming of the ‘Legends Marching Band’ by Mr. McDonald and the role of Commandant of the Grand Bahama Girls’ Brigade by Mrs. McDonald. A posthumous Patron award was also given to sports legend and community builder, Anita Doherty. “Their life’s work reflects invaluable contributions to the advancement of our youth, youth organizations and the strength of our nation. Their boldness and courage have paved the way for many of us to be here today,” Minister Bowleg said of the Patron award recipients. In addition to musical tributes to the Lifetime Achievement awardees, the night saw lively performances by the Urban Renewal Youth Band, Prophet Lawrence “The Singing Bishop” Rolle and various musical tributes to the Patron Awardees. After acknowledging the importance of pausing to honor high-achieving youth and mentors, Minister Bowleg reminded the youth of the significance of living boldly. “Remember that you are enough. There is no room for doubt. Be bold enough to embrace the opportunities before you. To make a difference. The world is waiting for you,” he said. Awardees List: Louise Simmons Youth Ally   Antoine Duncombe  Youth in Education  Rashad Cunningham Youth in Sports Award Hannah D’aguilar  Youth in Entrepreneurship Award Blaire Percentie  Youths in Arts and Culture Award Nathan McPhee  Patty Miller Youth in Government Award Denzel Bazard  Youth in Personal Triumph Award Caleb Johnson  Youth in Leadership Award A’Kari Burnside  Rising Star Awards Community Volunteerism: Anwar Rolle Jr. Sports: Taylen Nicolls Education: Jerlea Adderley Leadership: Tracy Johnson Environment: Aaliyah Rolle Patron Award Leslie McDonald Yvonne McDonald Anita Doherty Youth in Religion Award LaCroix Gibson Youth in the Environment Award Dellon Evans  Youth in Agriculture Award Matthew Williams  Youth in Community Volunteerism Award Tonica Gardiner  Youth Organization Award Rotaract club People’s Choice Award Dachye Stubbs  Director’s Cup  Caleb Johnson  Minister’s Cup Blaire Percentie Prime Minister’s Cup Rashad Cunningham

COMPANIES in the agriculture industry said inflation has impacted them, with one business stating that in some cases prices have increased fivefold.

The PACE Foundation is pleased to announce twelve champions of the Character Day Bahamas Hidden Heroes 2022 campaign. Nominees hailed from eight islands - Abaco, Andros, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Long Island, and New Providence. Recognized for their contributions to their community, there were students, educators, community builders, a physician, a disability advocate, coaches, and for the first time, a corporate Hidden Hero was selected.

“It’s always great to discover who the Hidden Heroes are in our communities,” said Sonia Brown, president of the PACE Foundation that runs the Character Day Bahamas program. “Moving out of the pandemic, it was encouraging to see that the pre-dominant character strengths were “kindness” and “leadership.” People have endured incredible hardships since Spring 2020, and for many, it remains the same. So, it’s wonderful when we focus on positivity.”

Social responsibility, creativity and humility were other popular character strengths. The VIA Institute states, “Character strengths are the positive parts of your personality that make us feel authentic and engaged. We possess all 24-character strengths in different degrees, giving us a unique character strengths profile. Research shows that understanding and applying our strengths can help (for example) to boost confidence.” (Source VIAcharacter.org).

The 2022 Character Day Bahamas champions who “Let Their Light Shine” were from New Providence, Eleuthera, Exuma and Long Island: Corporate: Leja Burrows; Students: Tysha Johnson; Taylen Nicolls; and Dantae Fowler; Educators - Philane Sargent and Keffie Ann Ferguson-Duncombe; Youth Leader – Samantha Ferguson (Exuma); Counselor and Translator – Lavita Thurston; Physician – Dr. Sidney W. Smith (Eleuthera); Disability Advocate – Kendrick Rolle; Community Mentor – Calvin E. Greene; and Coach and Consultant – Nathan J. Burrows (Long Island).

The 2022 Character Day Bahamas Hidden Hero finalists were: Anatol C. Young, a community helper; Anwar Rolle, Captain Bahamas - new environmental hero; Caroline Sawyer, owner, Sundowner's Restaurant GTC; Charlene Bain, community health director; Hadassah March, community builder, Credit Union branch manager; Keiliah Adderley, education, president of the Heart to Heart Foundation; Linda and Larry Davis, a septuagenarian and an octogenarian who continue to help animals and people; Philicity Gibson, founder of The Royal Experience; Ramona Wells, outreach coordinator and educator; Samantha Ferguson, youth leader; Sammarko Lightbourne, youth leader, literacy advocate, empathy role model and; Sophia Fisher, a pharmacist.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHAMPIONS:

Leja Burrows Character Strengths – Kindness, Humility, and Perseverance

Leja Burrows is the assistant director of education, Early Childhood Section, Ministry of Education. She is also the chief commissioner of the Bahamas Girl Guides Association. Leja was recognized as a Hidden Hero by her nominator who for the past 25 years, has been positively transformed under her guidance. “Leja is an educator who believes in the development of her staff, teachers, students, and the educational system of the Bahamas. As a result of her leadership, there is visible growth in her department, the preschool program, and her employees. She sees the best in everyone around her. She is positive and does not give up on people,” said her nominator. “Leja has also helped develop the youth in her work with the Girl Guides Association over the past forty plus years, in various capacities. Presently, she heads the Association and as a result of her innovative leadership, we have seen an enhanced culture... Mrs. Leja Burrows’s long-term service to family, church, work, and the community shows that she demonstrates perseverance, she has a compassionate heart, is kind, and is always giving her time and resources…When the world seems so selfish, she is so selfless.”

Dantae Fowler Leadership, Social Responsibility and Perseverance

Dantae is a student at the University of The Bahamas. His nominator shared, “He is an astonishing young man who puts service over self and offers a helping hand. Some of his deeds include the pantry drive that he started at his school for donations to local parishes or homes for the elderly which still operates today. In October 2022 he is hosting a young men’s seminar... He works through disappointments and is tenacious, making sure that goals are achieved. Dantae is working on bringing back Boys Scouts and Girls Brigade, to the Kemp Road community, so that children have a safe space to have fun and connect with others. “He does not want to take credit for his actions, and he inspires others to be just like him, and that’s why he is a Hidden Hero.”

Tysha Johnson Character Strengths - Leadership, Kindness, and Social Responsibility

Tysha Johnson is a 14-year-old student at Windsor High School. Her nominator said, “She is a well-rounded young lady who is reliable, courteous, giving, and strong-minded.” Tysha has been recognized for her educational strides, is active in many clubs, she is community minded, and a dedicated athlete. She is a member of the Fourteen Clubs Golf Academy and in 2022, Tysha placed third in the National Golf Championship.

In 2019, Tysha represented Kingsway Academy Primary in the Primary Student of the Year. She was also nominated for the Ministry of Youth Leadership and Community Service Award. In 2021, Tysha received a four-year scholarship to Windsor School Albany. She has also received the Ministry of Youth Rising Star Award in Education.

Tysha's commitment to community volunteerism is extensive. Her civic responsibility touches many charities and community initiatives including Hands for Hunger, the Bahamas Red Cross Society, Center for the Deaf, Bahamas National Trust and her own is called Love and Care. She received the (Princess) Diana Award for social action for humanitarian efforts. “This award has truly impacted her life, and she encourages all young people to become an agent of change," said her nominator. Other clubs and activities past and present include: The Bahamas National Youth Choir; Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers; Sapphire International Girls; Junior Debutante Foundation; Zeta Sorority Auxiliary Youth Affiliate. Tysha is a budding writer, receiving silver in The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition and she has won the Regency International Pageant.

Taylen Nicolls Character Strengths – Leadership, Kindness, and Forgiveness

Taylen Nicolls is a grade 6 student at Eva Hilton Primary School in New Providence. Taylen’s nominator states, “Taylen Nicolls is an extra-ordinary, 10-year-old who encourages, shares and loves assisting others.” She is a top student, is community minded, and a gold-medal athlete in swimming. Taylen’s community service is admirable. She worked with the Rotary Club of East Nassau that assisted with an initial donation of two hundred reading books for her school. It will be followed by another eight hundred books. Taylen is involved with the Junior Achievers and Discovery club which contributes to donating, recycling and coastal cleanup projects.

Her dedication and skill in swimming has earned her many trophies and medals; She encourages her teammates to also excel. Taylen trains 6 days a week, year-round, with two 5:30 am weekly sessions. The determination as a competitive swimmer with Mako Aquatics Club, resulted in her recent success as a national record-holder in The Bahamas National Swimming Championships 2021. She plans to represent her island at The Bahamas Games, and her country at international meets. Her greatest goal is the Olympics,” shares her nominator. “I am very proud of the young woman she’s becoming, and I am looking forward to see where life takes her.”

Philane Sargent Character Strengths - Kindness, Love, and Creativity

Philane Sargent is a teacher at Albury Sayle Primary in New Providence who received the most nominations. She was recognized among her peers and parents as an amazing teacher and a businesswoman. They stated, “She is a woman who is kind, caring, hardworking and humble. She cares deeply about people and especially her students, assisting them where she can – whether it’s out of her pocket, or words of encouragement.” Philane was also noted for her humility, and as a woman who balances her professional, entrepreneur life and family. “The way she talks about her students you would think they are her biological children,” wrote a nominator. Another said, “She always puts others needs before hers. Just this school year she decided to give away school supplies to help others. She is always bringing extra lunch items/money for students in need. These are just a few examples of her many acts of kindness.” “Philane is a master connector who uses Tik Tok to engage with her students. It’s never a dull moment with her in and out of the classroom.” She is a true leader, a lady of virtue and a true HERO."

Calvin E. Greene Character of Strengths - Optimism, Spirituality, and Social Responsibility

Calvin E. Greene is a community mentor who resides in New Providence. “Calvin is always optimistic and positive,” wrote a nominator. “He is genuine which people can instantly sense, making them comfortable. He is friendly, a very hard worker, and always volunteering. People whom he has helped decades ago still remember his kindnesses to them and thank him all these years later.”

“I think we need to show appreciation to people like him who really make a difference without fanfare, without remuneration, and without any expectation of recognition... He is passionate about helping people be the very best version of themselves, particularly our young men.”

Calvin is the vice-president of the Boys Scouts of The Bahamas and is also an active member of The Boys Club of the Bahamas. “For years he taught Sunday school. He is the assistant director of the Marriage Renewal Weekend of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese and heads the feeding team of that ministry. He has organized events as wide ranging as the repair of roofs of older parishioners, delivery of food parcels to home-bound persons He also assists with the instruction of adults seeking to join the Roman Catholic faith, and he is also on the Crime Watch team in his area.”

Keffie Ann Ferguson-Duncombe Character Strengths - Kindness, Leadership, and Forgiveness

Keffie Ann Ferguson-Duncombe has been an educator for over thirty years. She is currently a librarian at Thelma Gibson Primary School. She has faced many challenges, including breast cancer, and that didn’t stop her passion for educating the nation’s children. She is indeed a Hero, championing the cause of literacy and breast cancer awareness,” said her nominator. During the pandemic, Keffie helped learners stay engaged with “Story-Time,” by dressing as book characters, which she continues to do. She also visited the homes of the less-fortunate students sharing books and treats.

“This hidden hero’s character strength is her passion for her profession and the children she interacts with. She has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students. Because of her passion for literacy, she is also invited to many other schools to share with students and teachers.”

Dr Sidney W Smith Character Strengths - Humility, Kindness, and Honesty

Dr Sidney W. Smith is a physician who works in the Rock Sound Clinic. For the past 21 years, he has served the communities of Spanish Wells to Bannerman Town in South Eleuthera. "Dr. Smith is a hero who works day and night. He is humble, kind, soften spoken and has the best bedside manners in the world. He also makes house calls, oftentimes not charging those who cannot afford it. He is trustworthy, confidential and expects nothing in return,” said his nominator.

Close to retirement, the residents do not want him to depart the island. His nominator shared, “Dr. Smith has saved many lives through the care he gives, and that many emergency flights to the capital were not always necessary because of his knowledge and skill as a surgeon. This island doctor has been known to assist many financially, whether it was a single mother who needed food for her children, or assisting a patient who had to travel to New Providence for additional care. He is positive-minded and asks for prayers for others.”

Kendrick Rolle Character Strengths – Leadership, Bravery, and Social Intelligence

Kendrick Rolle has been an advocate for persons with disabilities through his career in the Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development and his charities. He is also the Chairman of BaCADAS (Bahamas Coalition of Advocates for Disability Awareness and Services) and Deputy-Chairman of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities in The Bahamas.

“Although Kenny became blind through an accident when he tried to stop a fight during a Peace Rally, this has not dampened his spirit. Kenny uses his position as a disability affairs officer to champion the cause of the disabled in the country. He has secured eyeglasses and white canes to visually impaired persons in New Providence and Andros.”

One nominator said, “He also works to set an example for all, sending the message, that despite your circumstances in life, with courage, hard work and determination, you can do anything you set your mind to. Overall, he has learned to “believe and achieve.” He is a voice for the disabled and for anyone who is disenfranchised.”

In addition to the many activities, he is planning to have the first ever disabled Junkanoo group hit the streets of Bay Street in January 2023 Junkanoo parade.

Lavita Thurston Character Strengths – Leadership, Spirituality, and Kindness

Lavita Thurston is a court translator, JP, and an educator at Virtual School Bahamas. She is also an author of “From Abuse to Glory,” that is based on her life experiences. She is presently pursuing an associate degree in Criminal Justice and Law, at the University of The Bahamas, with plans of becoming a lawyer. Her nominator shares, “Her reason for pursuing law is to help the less fortunate who are falsely accused.”

Lavita holds various positions within her church; she is on the Usher Board, the Prayer Ministry, the Mission’s Board, the Outreach Ministry and the Youth Ministry. She has been known as a strong and benevolent person who performs various charitable acts, such as offering free counseling, food drives, clothes, and school supplies and donations to others.

Lavita formed a non-profit organization called “Grow in God Immensely” (acronym for her daughter ‘Gigi’ who was senselessly murdered). It is an organization that assists victims of abuse, persons with substance abuse problems, the less fortunate, and persons needing counseling. Lavita’s motto is “We are our brothers and sisters’ keepers.”

Nathan J Burrows Character Strengths – Creativity, Love of Learning, and Teamwork

Nathan J Burrows is a creator, coach and consultant in Long Island who aims to encourage others to learn. He operates a business center, vocational school, and a dance business. He has combined consulting and dance, working closely with couples to improve their relationship through dance, as a form of therapy. Nathan values education for himself and others. “He believes that persons must take a hands-on, project-based approach to learning. He values teamwork, and always said, “It doesn't matter how many people are on a team, as long as everyone is headed in the same direction.”

Nathan was diagnosed with a chronic health issue at a young age and does not allow his health to overtake his plans. “I nominated Nathan J Burrows as a Hidden Hero, because I want people to know that he is working towards the future of Bahamians," wrote his nominator.

Samantha Ferguson Character Strengths - Optimism, Kindness, and Humility

Samantha Ferguson is a youth leader in Exum and her nominator had many accolades by her nominator who has known her for more than 20 years, and attests to her work and service in the community. “This lady goes above and beyond for the youth of our community. She is a tutor, youth leader, dance instructor, teaches musical instruments, offers drop off and pick up services, takes youths to church... all from the goodness of her heart!”

Samantha started a youth pop band, gaining sponsorship to get instruments for kids, conducted back to school drives where students received uniforms, she has brought leaders from Florida and Nassau to speak to the youth about college preparedness, offered free after-school tutoring to ensure kids passed the GLAT and BGCSE exams, has housed children, and given back to the community. She also offers educational sessions and movie nights for the youth. Once a teen Mom, she has used her platform teaching them never to give up.”

For more information on Character Day Bahamas, please visit www.characterdaybahamas.org.

Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville and theMinistry’s Project Execution Team led officials from the Inter-American DevelopmentBank (IDB) today on a tour of clinics on mainland Eleuthera, Harbour Island andSpanish Wells. The tour which commenced at the Harbour Island Clinic ended with asite visit for the new clinic in Rock Sound. The visit allowed the IDB delegation toassess the ongoing progress of renovations and upgrades at the facilities.

As part of the capital works funding through the IDB loan facility health systems andservices in The Bahamas will be enhanced. Infrastructural upgrades, transformationof the care model for seamless management of patient services, emergency servicesvehicles, telemedicine and electronic medical records, medical equipment andfurniture are all planned for the advancement of healthcare delivery.

Minister Darville expressed his gratitude to IDB country representative DanielaCarrera and her team for the financial and technical support invested to benefit thiscountry’s transformative agenda for health.

Meetings with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the IDB are ongoing to discussand solidify health system strengthening in the Bahamas. Assessments will continuetomorrow with visits to clinics in North, Central and South Andros.

 

Minister of Health & Wellness, the Honourable Dr. Michael R. Darville and the Ministry’s Project Execution Team led officials from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) today on a tour of clinics on mainland Eleuthera, Harbour Island and Spanish Wells. The tour which commenced at the Harbour Island Clinic ended with a site visit for the new clinic in Rock Sound. The visit allowed the IDB delegation to assess the ongoing progress of renovations and upgrades at the facilities. As part of the capital works funding through the IDB loan facility health systems and services in The Bahamas will be enhanced. Infrastructural upgrades, transformation of the care model for seamless management of patient services, emergency services vehicles, telemedicine and electronic medical records, medical equipment and furniture are all planned for the advancement of healthcare delivery. Minister Darville expressed his gratitude to IDB country representative Daniela Carrera and her team for the financial and technical support invested to benefit this country’s transformative agenda for health. Meetings with the Ministry of Health & Wellness and the IDB are ongoing to discuss and solidify health system strengthening in the Bahamas. Assessments will continue tomorrow with visits to clinics in North, Central and South Andros.