Georgetown : The President's Youth Award: Republic of Guyana (PYARG) held its 15th award presentation at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) where 715 youths were awarded: 547 in the bronze category, 148 silver and 30 gold.
In 1998, Guyana adopted and launched the programme which is modelled after the Duke of Edinburgh's Award which was introduced in Great Britain in 1956.
The Most Outstanding Participant award in the gold category was given to Teekaram Singh and Zimeena Rasheed from the Anna Regina Secondary School, Region 2. Special awards were also given to Micah Henry, Region 1, Yougraj Rajhunauth, Region 2; Deuel Lewis, BV PIC in Region 4; Mark Cameron and Shane Persaud, Georgetown; and Symyon Sears from Smythfield, Region 6.
The female bronze most outstanding participants include Athalia Wells, Mabaruma, Region 1; Annalisa Alfred, Region 2; Lucius Hector, Parika Salem, Region 3; Natalie James, Georgetown; Nickesha Benjamin, Fort Wellington, Region 5; and Lydia Cameron, Silvertown, Region 10.
Region 6 copped the Outstanding Region Award while Patentia captured the Outstanding Unit Award.
Special recognition was given to those volunteers who served for over five years. These include Alicia Roache, Geru Gordon, Courdel Glasgow and Adel Lilly.
Meanwhile, Lester Rosine and Herald Alves were recognised for serving over 10 years to the PYARG.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony expressed his satisfaction with the fact that two of the gold awardees are also CSEC top performers in Guyana and one in the Caribbean. He stressed that this is a good example of the brain power the PYARG has. He also encouraged them to become roving ambassadors for the organisation. He emphasised that the organisation has been at the forefront of teaching youths about Guyana.
The Minister explained that through the programme the participants have been able to see many parts of Guyana including the Pakaraima Mountain range, Kaieteur Falls and the hinterland regions; while many adults have not been able to see these marvels. He added that the expeditions the youths go on give them a better appreciation of Guyana.
Minister Anthony stressed that throughout the 15 years of the programme over 17,000 youths have benefited from training that helps them to develop a better understanding of Guyana, and simultaneously help them to become better citizens.
The success of the PYARG has been recognised in Guyana and the Caribbean where it is esteemed as a best practice. This type of programme does not only occur in Guyana, in this regard the umbrella organisation – the Duke of Edinburg award is working on ensuring that all the participating countries are licenced to offer such programmes. This will see the organisation being rebranded and changes made.
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