With a press conference last week, outstanding young people from across the Cayman Islands are again eligible to become part of the latest group of “Proud of Them” honourees.

Youth Minister Osbourne Bodden, in his remarks, said, “These are teenagers of diverse interests and abilities, who possess one common denominator: an unbridled determination and dedication, as well as strong personal responsibility.

While this is very laudable, we are in a time when the challenges facing youths range from employment opportunities and education related-challenges, to increased exposure to drugs and crime.” He added that Government continues to regard these issues as being of national importance.

“This Proud of Them initiative presents the positive flip-side to our youth, and focus on their dynamic potential. What it also does, is to magnify the talents that these boys and girls possess, and recognises, by default, the rewarding end-results of the process where parents, friends, educators and the wider community maintain active interest in helping them overcome the hurdles of adolescence, and mature into promising young adults,” added Mr. Bodden.

Also present were National Youth Commission Chairman, Rev. Donovan Myers, Chief Officer Dorine Whittaker and other Ministry and Youth Services Unit representatives.

In this fourth round of the youth recognition programme, the National Youth Commission and the Cayman Islands Government again seek to publicly recognise the positive achievements of young people.

Nominees, aged 10 to 25 years, should stand out in one of the following areas: academics, sports, career, culture, business or community service. Notable personal characteristics should include initiative, attitude and relationships with peers.

Each recipient will receive a $500 stipend, and will be featured for a six month period on one of the billboards mounted across the Cayman Islands.

The deadline for submitting names is Friday, 29 May 2015. For entry forms visit: http://goo.gl/forms/nPhz5Ber6L

Credits: Lennon Christian / GIS

Photo: National Youth Commission Chairman, Rev. Donovan Myers