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Eleven Year Old Crowned Youth Mayor for Hanover

By: , November 20, 2013

The Key Point:

Representing the Hopewell division, Clinton topped youth councillors from the six other parish council divisions.
Eleven Year Old Crowned Youth Mayor for Hanover
New Youth Mayor for Hanover, 11-year old Clinton Brown (right), is about to strike the gavel to convene his first meeting under the guidance of Mayor of Lucea, Councillor Shernet Haughton (left). This follows his selection and installation on Monday (November 18), during a ceremony held at the Parish Council chambers in Lucea.

The Facts

  • Among his various prizes was a grant of $100,000 from the Hanover Parish Council towards undertaking a project of his choice at his school.
  • The youth councillors and youth mayors serve for one year, representing the voice of the young people at the local government level.

The Full Story

Second time is the charm for 11-year-old Watford Hill Primary School student, Clinton Brown, who, on Monday, November 18, was named the 2013/2014 Youth Mayor for Hanover.

It was the second attempt at the title for the Grade Six student, who had entered the competition last year.

Representing the Hopewell division, Clinton topped youth councillors from the six other parish council divisions, to win the prestigious title in the annual competition held to mark Local Government and Community Development and Youth Month.

Among his various prizes was a grant of $100,000 from the Hanover Parish Council towards undertaking a project of his choice at his school.

Second place went to Tyreek Friginette of Knockalva Technical High School, representing the Chester Castle division, with Daniella Bowen of Askenish All Age, representing Riverside, placing third.

The youth councillors were asked to make a presentation, not exceeding 10 minutes, on the topic: ‘In 50 years Jamaica has moved forward’, with Clinton’s speech adjudged to have been the most impressive.

Clinton called on his experience from the previous year to deliver a strong presentation with well-researched facts. His confidence was evident in his diction, eye contact with the judges, and positive body language.

The Hanover Youth Mayor, in his presentation, noted that while 50 years is a short period in the life of any nation, Jamaica had achieved a lot.

He singled out education as one area of accomplishment, noting that improvements in the sector over the years, has provided a strong basis for Jamaica to move forward.

He cited the use of technology in education, including plans for the issuing of computer tablets, noting that this is “a clear indication of how improved our education system has become”.

In the judge’s summary, the chief adjudicator, Donna-Marie LaTouche, noted that the competition was no walkover for any one participant as the scores were very close.

Teacher at the Watford Hill Primary School, Fania Davis, told JIS News that Clinton, though small in stature, is a true leader. She describes him as a confident person, who loves to speak in public, and is always volunteering to take on any task.

“He also has this passion for community development, and (even more the competition) he had already planned what he wants to do with that $100,000 if he would have won the competition,” she said. Ms. Davis said that the entire school community is proud of his achievement.

Young Clinton told JIS News that winning the competition and being crowned Youth Mayor for Hanover is a dream come true. He said he will use the prize money to embark on a perimeter fencing project for his school.

The Youth Mayors competition is organised annually by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development through parish councils across the island. It is aimed at demystifying the operations of the parish council and to get the youth involved in the process of local governance.

Young people are selected as youth councillors, representing the various parish council divisions, to compete for the coveted title.

The youth councillors and youth mayors serve for one year, representing the voice of the young people at the local government level.

This year’s youth mayors will have the privilege of having lunch with Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller on Friday, November 22.

Last Updated: November 21, 2013

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