25 remarkable teens honoured for impact & leadership in St Kitts

Twenty-five of St Kitts and Nevis’ most inspiring youth have been honoured for their impact and contributions to the country.

The 13th cohort of Remarkable Teens was honoured on Wednesday evening during a special sitting of the National Assembly.

The teens have made significant contributions to developing and promoting the performing arts, school pride, environmental science, athletics and more.

In a message to the teens, Governor-General, Dame Marcella Liburd, described the 2024 class as “an incredible group of young individuals whose achievements, passion and perseverance set them apart as leaders of today and tomorrow.

“These 25 remarkable teens stand out not only for their accomplishments but for their commitment to making a difference often in ways that many may not even dream of at such a young age.”

She added that their contributions to society will “create a better St Kitts and Nevis.”

Minister of State responsible for Youth, Isalean Phillip, hailed the teens for demonstrating “extraordinary character, talents, leadership and fortitude in their lives thus far.”

“Tonight, we are reminded of the promise,” she said, acknowledging the challenges of antisocial behaviour that some young people have become entangled in. “We are reminded of the promise of positivity and potential that these 25 young people, who we are celebrating tonight, have already demonstrated.”

She emphasised her strong desire for the 13th annual programme to remain a key fixture in the youth development agenda, ensuring that positive young people are honoured, celebrated, and encouraged to continue demonstrating strength, faith, courage, leadership and resilience.

One of the teens recognised was Jaheme Warner Ventura, described as a spiritual leader and community catalyst, who was awarded for Spiritual Commitment and Leadership.

The 18-year-old is community focused organising group visits to support the sick and elderly and he engages young men aged 11 to 21 in the transformative Turn Around Agenda (TAG) Programme.

“My family always jokes, ‘Jaheme, you’re always helping so many people, but you’re not helping around the house!’” he said with a laugh. However, his mother’s visit to the Antioch Baptist Church opened her eyes to the spirit that drives his actions,” Warner Ventura said.
“Jesus served us, so in serving others I am actually fulfilling that purpose in my life and it comes so naturally when you are deep in the word of God,” he said, adding that his mother is “so proud of me.”

Kaitlyn Wilson also received an award at the ceremony for Performing Arts and School Pride.

As a star in gymnastics and aerial arts, Kaitlyn has gravitated to creative expression through dance.

“I love, love, love every genre,” she stressed, referring to her dance style. “Most dancers pick and choose which genre they want to be in but I have the unique blend and I love, love, love to dance.”

The 16-year-old added that our ancestors used dance as a way to showcase their feelings and invoke a sense of independence.

“I feel like dance connects me to our culture. We dance in different clothes to show how we feel … so I do not simply just move my body. I show my feelings through dance to the audience and .. people can watch me and say ‘wow, she is really remarkable because of her bravery, confidence, and she is truly resilient,” added Kaitlyn.