Six Jamaicans Receive Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards

Her Royal Highness, the Princess Royal, presented certificates to six young Jamaicans who are recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, during a ceremony at King’s House on October 1.

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, also pinned the awardees with badges.

The event formed part of the itinerary of the Princess Royal, who is on a three-day official visit.

Danique Davis, Javier Bailey, Kegan Prince, Javon Eldermire and Janick Semaj, all members of the Webster Memorial United Church Girls and Boys Brigade and Kimberlee Davis received gold level awards.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, which brings together practical experiences and life skills to create committed global citizens.

It is awarded to persons between the ages of 12 and 24 who work as a team to participate in activities that include adventurous expeditions, skills and physical recreation.

Five of the youngsters took a trip to the peak of the Blue and John Crow Mountains and one to the Cockpit Country and developed skills ranging from the use of musical instruments and swimming to accounting.

Javier Bailey, who progressed through the Awards programme from bronze to the gold level, said his involvement in the activities has led to him becoming a more disciplined individual. He said it also gives him the opportunity to give back to the community, through participation in several community service activities.

“I would encourage other persons to become a part of the Awards programme, because when applying for a job, it will look good on your résumé. Your potential employer might be impressed by you being (the recipient) of such a prestigious award,” he said in an interview with JIS News.

Minister of Education, Hon. Rev. Ronald Thwaites, in his keynote address, encouraged the awardees and other participants in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards programme to become ambassadors for a positive lifestyle.

“The price and prize of your reward here today is that you don’t keep it to yourself but you share it fully with all others who you come in contact with,” he said.

Rev. Thwaites said the example of the awardees can help other youngsters overcome challenges and build strong characters to withstand distractions and antisocial behaviour.

The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is a sponsor of the programme, which was  founded in 1956 by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh, and now operates in 144 countries, including Jamaica. Over seven million persons around the world have participated in the programme since its inception.