28 Nevisian youths/groups awarded 11-year-old Husaené Martin became a shining example of selflessness and teamwork for her peers when she was bestowed Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams award on Saturday (Apr 26). The St. James’ Primary School student was one of 28 young persons and groups awarded at a gala held in honour of Nevis’ youth for the impact they have made on the country. Martin’s remarkable act of benevolence and team spirit came at the Golf Insurance Inter-Primary Championships when instead of capitalizing on a competitor’s mishap, she put competiveness aside to help. “At Inter-Primary I was running the 800 [meters]. I looked at the big screen [television] then I looked back and saw Zwena [Jones] fall down. I turned back for her and I told her to brush off her clothes. She said she wasn’t going to run again so I told her to run again. I wanted her to place and I myself wanted to place. “I thought about her, she’s my friend and I care about her. I feel if you have a person who you call a friend, you must care about them, love them and treat them well,’the big-hearted child said. The audience applauded loudly, congratulating Martin as she made her way to the stage. The other awardees in the category of Youth Impact were Gene Amory Jr., Theon Tross, Neila Jones, Clayticia Daniel, Uta Trish Taylor and Aljay Newton. In the Emergent Group Award category, VonArt Fusion Studio and Reach Hamilton Estate Community Group were awarded. Under the Sports Impact Award category, Jurnell Turner and Kerisha Powell were awarded as the top male and female footballers. For Basketball and Netball, Justin Jeffers and Jasmine Charles were awarded, respectively. Kieran Powell was selected for male cricketer, and Saneldo Willett for female cricketer. In the Track and Field arena, Alexander Richards, Kymani Browne, Chloe Williams and Adrian Williams, who was absent because of regional training, were awarded. Jaumali Simmonds was awarded for Karate. Young leaders were not forgotten and were awarded as well. They were Alice Swanston, Eric Evelyn, Dio and Govanie Hendrickson, Gerald Charles and Joseph Williams. The Long-standing Group Award was presented to Shekinah Dance Theatre, the St. Kitts and Nevis Pathfinders (Nevis), and the Nevis Cadet Corps. The awardees were presented with their plaques by Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams. Hon. Brandy-Williams pledged that the Nevis Island Administration will continue its efforts toward the betterment of youths. “As our youth take action and embrace their power to make a positive impact, this Administration, through the Department of Youth and Sports, vows to provide additional avenues through which youth opportunities and choices can be increased.”Although the government’s resources were limited, she said, the NIA is determined to equip and empower the nation’s youth to become a generation of action. “As such, we are taking a holistic approach to their overall development,’said the Minister. She pointed out that youth activities will continue past April. “Even though April has been designated as Youth Month, I guarantee you that the activities won’t end here. The Department of Youth and Sports will continue to explore creative ways to engage our youth in wholesome and positive activities,’she said. Other dignitaries and honored guests at the gala included Hon. Troy Liburd; Anselm Caines, CARICOM Youth Ambassador; Colin Tyrell, Legal Advisor; and Collin Dore, Treasurer in the NIA. Also present were family, friends and supporters of the awardees. Live entertainment came from the Rehabilitation Group Impression (RGI), comprised of inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison.
