Young entrepreneurs and youth groups were last weekend recognized and awarded for their contribution to youth development across Guyana at the fifth annual National Youth Awards ceremony.
The ceremony was held at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston Georgetown at the weekend.
The award is facilitated by the Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, under the Ministry of Social Cohesion.
The Director of Youth (acting), Leslyn Boyce, said the 21 young persons and groups have made a difference in the lives of other young people throughout the country.
The categories for the awards included sports, arts and culture, voluntarism, youth entrepreneurship, agriculture, environmental conservation and protection, and innovation in science and technology.
“We also wish to reward them for their hard work and hope that their efforts can serve as a motivation for others to do their part in the development of their peers, their community and by extension the country,” Boyce said.
The Youth Director also commended those persons who stuck to their task despite facing many challenges.
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton, said he is hopeful that the awardees will continue to be role models in society.
“Each of you are here this evening as result of your dedication to national youth development at a time when society is riddled with injustices and self-centeredness. You, our awardees, have been the sunshine on a cloudy day,” the Minister said.
Meanwhile, 40 young persons also received grants under the Youth Innovation Programme of Guyana.
“The Youth Innovation programme was designed to support the creative ventures of young people. We recognize that often time it is difficult to secure support, especially financial, for undertaking what may not be typical,” the Minister said.
He said that as a government, they encourage a pioneering spirit among young people and believe that they are persons with ground breaking ideas, but need support.
“We are confident that if we provide you with the tools needed to fly, you will soar.”
