National Youth Awards Recognize Outstanding Young Belizeans

Young men and women from across the country were recognized today by the Government of Belize for exemplary work they have been doing in shaping the future of the country through academic, athletic and social accomplishments.  The National Youth Awards ceremony was to have taken place in November of last year, but Hurricane Lisa forced a postponement of the annual event.  This year, however, two award ceremonies are being held.  The first took place earlier today at the Biltmore.  Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport Rodwell Ferguson discussed the impact of acknowledging the efforts of Belize’s adolescents.

Rodwell Ferguson

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Youth, Sports and Transport

“Since Kevin Cadle became the Director of Youths, he is very adamant in making sure that we recognize our young people every year.  This recognition should have been done in November 2022, but when the hurricane came, everything had to be canceled.  And so, we wanted to make sure that we pursue the 2022 now and also in November 2023, we’re going to do the 2023 awards.  I think it is significant because young people are somehow just left out of society and we expect them to do better when they take over as government.  So this is an opportunity for them to say, “Okay, if I want to take leadership, I’ve got to start now at an early age.”  So I feel very cognizant and happy that we were able to do it.”

Isani Cayetano

“What is the impact of this though, in terms of not only acknowledging these young men and women, but in terms of shaping the way they think and the way they act going forward?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“Well, if you notice, it has national impact.  We have people all the way from the south, from the north, from the west, because when we took over the ministry, we said we were going to reach out, not only to Belize City, but across the country.  And we can feel the significant impact on young people, they want to aspire and they want to strive for the best.”