Jouvert 2011

My second year celebrating Christmas in St. Kitts with Carnival as part of the two weeks of grand festivities.  Today was Jouvert and one of my favorite people watching events of all time. Since Caitlin and Jorel are here visiting, I decided it was worth dragging them out of bed at 5:00 a.m. to catch the first troupes as they entered the Circus.  Some of the Peace Corps volunteers joined the Red Devil troupe again this year, which means they started their day closer to 2:00 a.m., but from the looks of all those dancing in the streets, it wasn't anywhere near quitting time.  We watched mostly from the balcony at Ballyhoo, but caught the energy mid-way and joined the crowds in the street for awhile before heading back home so Caitlin could get the rest she needs to take care of the nasty cold and ear infection she brought with her from SoCal.


A few photos to share:

Red Devil Troupe in the Circus

Baby, it's cold outside.

Gale force trade winds kicking up my allergies and making the already treacherous bus rides feel even more like an E ticket at Magic Mountain, not to mention: baby it's cold outside - relatively speaking.  And as the wind howls through the trees and the rain pelts on my tin roof, I am reminded of  scary stuff like what happens if the electricity goes out before the XFactor comes on?  How will I survive?  It's the final week, and I must hear Josh Krajcik; his raspy voice is so soulful, reminds me of Joe Cocker and who can forget him singing "With a Little Help From My Friends" at Woodstock in 1969?


Went to my office today hoping to share some holiday cheer with my co-workers, it being Christmas week and all, but met an empty hallway with locked doors all around.  No one was there except for me, so I sang a few reindeer and Santa songs waiting for them to arrive, then finally ate the candy my friend Jill sent to me in a very festive gift box - candy I'd planned to share with everybody - played around on the Internet for a bit, and then finally moseyed on back to Cayon.  Guess I didn't get the memo explaining that Christmas/Carnival in St. Kitts is celebrated in Caribbean time from December 21 - January 5.


Walking down Fort Street in Basseterre on my way to the bus, it was clear that party time had arrived.  It was only noon but scores of people were already liming. drinking Caribe and Skol - it's always 5:00 somewhere in the world - and dancing in the streets.  Can't miss the Carnival spirit, half of the 37,000 people who live on the island will be coming into town to celebrate at some point during the week.  Soca Monarch finals on Friday, Jouvert on Monday, the Grand Carnival Parade on New Years, Masquerades, Queens and Teens shows throughout, and the Last Lap on January 4th, I think.  St. Kitts and Nevis is the only place in the Caribbean that combines Christmas and Carnival; a unique opportunity to experience the festive and vibrant culture and get in some incredible people watching.


Time for a funny before I close:
A couple was shopping at a packed mall on Christmas Eve.  Walking through the mall, the wife looked up and was surprised to see that her husband had disappeared.  She was very upset because they had much Christmas shopping to do.
Using her cell phone, she called her husband and asked him where he was.  The husband, in a calm voice said, "Honey, remember the jewelry store we went into five years ago - where you fell in love with that diamond necklace that we couldn't afford, and I told you that I would get if for you one day?  His wife, crying said "Yes, I remember that jewelry store."
"Well," he said, "I'm in the bar next to it."


And finally, a picture of the Christmas tree I put up just for Santa,  I had to have somewhere to put his milk and cookies for when he delivers Caitlin and Jorel on Christmas Eve.  
A fake tree, my first, and somewhat woebegone compared to Christmases past, but you still gotta love it.  It is Christmas after all.

And so it goes, here in the West Indies, on the island of St. Kitts, in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, four days before Christmas 2011.

Why did the chicken cross the road?

"Life in the Peace Corps will not be easy. There will be no salary and allowances will be at a level sufficient only to maintain health and meet basic needs. Men and women will be expected to work and live alongside the nationals of the country in which they are stationed—doing the same work, eating the same food, talking the same language.

But if the life will not be easy, it will be rich and satisfying. For every young American who participates in the Peace Corps—who works in a foreign land—will know that he or she is sharing in the great common task of bringing to man that decent way of life which is the foundation of freedom and a condition of peace." -  John F. Kennedy, President, United States of America

So the call was heard and some 200,000 like minded citizens have served as Peace Corps volunteers since President Kennedy made this statement in 1961, myself included. 

During the past 16 months I've learned to navigate my life through the challenges of Peace Corps - acronym speak and bureaucratic structure included - hoping to turn challenges into opportunities for self-learning and personal growth, and others into professional successes and friendship building with nationals from within my work and living communities.  I have enjoyed some success.

To this point, three things stand out as a must have for success as a Peace Corps volunteer: resilience, duct tape and an extension cord.

I think being a Peace Corps Volunteer at 60 offers a unique vantage point from which to take a look at a life lived.  A chance to slow down and reflect on the decades spent keeping busy embracing the rearing of children, or the shout out of causes that found their way into my consciousness.  There was always an urgency to find a hurt and heal it, to find a need and meet it; a bottomless well of need existed and still does, so the finding part was easy.  Looking back on six decades, it seems that  much of that life has been spent skimming the surface of others, scary to think it may have all been grounded in a need to hold on to a myopic self.

Enough reflection.  Peace Corps "have to do's" this week leave no time for further meandering.  But note to self of things to think about when the veil of fear lifts:  

What does it mean to actualize potential? 

Perhaps those braincells are lying around in the debris of the mind expanding experiences of the late 60's.

Heaven or hell.  I don't think so.  Just bones and dust, the end of lives well lived with joy abounding; or broken lives and long forgotten dreams.

Ye of little faith?  Great faith, still seeking deeper understanding from somewhere; the call of the universe notwithstanding.

I keep hearing a voice in my dreams with urgent messages that I've forgotten by the time I wake up; not the urgency of the voice, but the content of the message.  Restless nights for some time now; heavy mornings that need to be shaken awake with extra shots of caffeine, like the lingering effects of nitrous used to sedate anxiety provoked by the bully dentist.  Is it my muse calling or am I to be the new muse?

I think the chicken crossed the road having found courage and hoping to find purpose.

Rich and satisfying?  I still have ten months to cast my ballot.

And so it goes today. 

So now what do I do? The Conundrum.

Just finished submitting a purchase order for pictures of each kid receiving their trophy with the Government Minister from their constituency and also a group shot for each recipient and each Minister.  Met with the film editor and completed editing for the final version of the television program featuring individual recipient interviews that we produced before the ceremony with plans to give a copy to each honoree when its ready.  Working on the agenda for the brainstorming workshop I promised to organize with the kids for late January or early February.  (Of course, the reality of the workshop taking place depends on delivery of the promised funding for the conference room, supplies and food, so the actualization of this happening remains a question mark.)  And finally,  I completed writing an article on the program for the Serious Ting Magazine which will go to print in January. So now what do I do besides fight the challenges of funding follow through from the Ministries of Youth and Finance?


The Director wants me to spearhead the program for next year - outreach starting again in February and the rest of it including organizing, marketing, interviews, selection, profiles etc. continuing through final presentation next fall.  But I'm thinking the department should take it from here.  If the program is to be sustainable, the Ministry and the Department need to find youth department staff to take the lead and to do the work that will make it happen, and I truly believe it is to their advantage to take that lead while I'm still here and available for consultation. Besides, I'm ready to take on a new challenge and would most like to use the next couple of months finishing up with the 2011 remarkable teens promises while exploring other project possibilities that I can put some passion behind for the remainder of my Peace Corps service here in St. Kitts.


One project I would love to look into is an island wide after school program focusing on kids at the middle school level (forms one and two).  I know the St. Kitts and Nevis White Paper on Education and Policy Development claims it wants to develop such a program, and I know there are many people in the Federation who would get on board if such an opportunity were introduced - that is an opportunity coupled with government funding and a promise to allow organizers to shortcut the red tape/bureaucracy kind of support.  


I have lots of ideas of on how to make this happen too, and the practical experience of having been part of a team that developed such a program in the United States; all the way from the empty speech bubble hovering overhead during a brainstorming session starting point, to the creation and implementation of a program that replicated in eight states by the time I moved on to new ideas and in other directions.  And I have the time and energy to get a pilot program off the ground while I'm here, if all of the other stuff comes together. 


Like everything else in life there are always a thousand ifs... if you let yourself get stuck in that bubble.


And so it goes on December 5, 2011, the 25th birthday of my beautiful daughter Maggie Catherine.  Happy birthday baby girl.  Mommy loves you, always and forever.

And now a word from the Opposition....

PARLIAMENT HONOURED 25 MOST REMARKABLE TEENS IN ST. KITTS

Written by Administrator

26 November 2011 20:03

MINISTRY OF YOUTH EMPOWERMENT HELD ITS PIONEER EVENT Described by Hon. Vance Amory – Member for Constituency #10 as the highlight of his tenure as a Politician and Parliamentary Representative, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment made history when twenty-five (25) youths described as the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts were honoured and awarded for excellence in special disciplines at a special sitting of Parliament on Wednesday 23rd 2011 at 7.30 p.m. This was a ground-breaking event as it was the first of its kind held anywhere in the Caribbean showcasing the positive achievements of young people that are usually overshadowed by unfortunate and negative circumstances involving some of our young people, that dominate the airwaves . Minister Glenn Phillip spoke as the Order Paper afforded, giving an overview of the new project before the awardees and the SKNYPA presenters took centre stage, witnessed by a full gallery of parents, friends and well-wishers, proud of the accomplishments of these remarkable teens. Davon Richardson’s award for Academic Excellence and Sheldon Richards’s award for Leadership were presented by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Denzil Douglas. Zaiesha Joseph’s award for Performing Arts and Jacintha Marsham’s award for Courage to Overcome were presented by Hon. Glenn Phillip. Zahir Harris’s award for Music, Raheem Depusior’s award for Most Enterprising Teen and Kayla Weekes’s award for Campus Leadership were presented by Hon. Timothy Harris. Pernelle Abraham’s award for Performing Arts and Community Service, Kailah James’s award for Courage to Overcome Health Condition and Renicia McDonald’s award for Spiritual Commitment were presented by Hon. Eugene Hamilton. Patrick Walters’s award for Writing, Dylan Dias’s award for Personal Decision and Shaquille Fredericks’s award for Community Service were presented by Hon. Vance Amory. Aldeen Isaac’s award for Academic Excellence, Trevaughn Williams’s award for Social Conscience and Tishanna Hazel’s award for Citizenship were presented by Hon. Marcella Liburd. Desi Brown’s award for Youth Activism was presented by Hon. Vincent Byron. Josiah Oyebefun’s award for Scholarship and Athletics, Shazil Bergan’s award for Courage to Overcome, Traveda Isaac’s award for Fashion Design and Glenston Patrick’s award for Commitment to Personal Excellence were presented by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Sam Condor. DeLonte Lewis’s award for Civic Involvement was presented by Hon. Shawn Richards. Rae Dawn Thomas’s award for Theatre Arts and N’Kosi Lucas’s award for Personal Challenge were presented by Hon. Richard Skerritt. Leahcim Phipps’s award for Culinary Arts was presented by Hon. Nigel Carty. Director of Youth, Mr. Geoffrey Hanley speaking on the adjournment summed up the event as a great success of the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and while he showered praise on several persons and organisations, he was lavish in his praise for Peace Corp Volunteer Ms. Connie Howard whom he said worked tirelessly driving the program to the spectacle realised.

Last Updated on Monday, 28 November 2011 13:21

Parliamentarians Hail 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts

Minister of Youth Empowerment Honourable Glenn Phillip outlines the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts programme at the start of the Special Sitting of Parliament. Photos courtesy Pierre Liburd.

Basseterre, St. Kitts, November 24, 2011 (SKNIS): “Historic, truly inspiring, the best experience in my political life, and a turning point for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.” These are some of the ways Members of Parliament (MP) described the Special Sitting of the National Assembly for The 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts programme.

Members on the Government and Opposition benches and a gallery packed with friends and family all proudly saluted the young people who were recognized in non-traditional categories including Courage to Overcome, Civic Involvement, Writing, Performing Arts, Leadership, Most Enterprising and Youth Activism.

The profiles of each recipient were read by national youth parliamentarians. Then Federal MPs offered words of encouragement to the individuals before presenting their awards.

Stories of personal tragedy, school violence, health challenges, academic excellence, creative expression through arts, music and food moved the audience witnessing the ceremony in the National Assembly Chambers and those watching or listening on ZIZ Radio and Television. 

  

Prime Minister the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas presents award to Davon Richardson.

What almost everyone seemingly walked away with was a renewed confidence in the young people and the prospects they have to face challenges in life and remain productive citizens.

“Mr. Speaker, recognizing that the future of our country’s success depends on the healthy development and wellness of our youth, the Ministry of Youth Empowerment plans to make The 25 Most Remarkable Teen programme the premiere annual youth recognition programme in the Federation,” Minister of Youth Empowerment Honourable Glenn Phillip explained. “Already plans are being made for 2012 when we will expand the programme to include Nevis.

Minister Phillip added that a workshop is being planned for the award recipients to share the experiences and have training on key character attributes such as development of attitudes, motivation and sense of purpose, importance of self efficiency to success, personal aspirations and future planning.

“These young people will be [better] prepared to become leaders among their peers, youth role models and voices for an annual outreach programme,” said the Minister.

And so it goes the first time ever that kids were featured in Federal Parliament in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - Thanksgiving eve for Americans where ever we happen to be.

Tonight's the night...

Tonight is the night for the special sitting of Parliament to honor the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts.  Everything seems on track for a successful event although I've been called to a last minute meeting with the Director, Speaker of the Assembly and Court Clerk.  Hopefully this is just to go over minor protocol issues and not a meeting that will send my blood pressure rising. It's been a long journey - the planning and implementation of this project - but worth the effort if the country follows through and makes it an annual program as they have promised.

During the past few days I've done interviews for radio and television to promote public interest in tonight's event and have met a great many appreciative people who have expressed genuine support for the kids and the idea of youth recognition. I think these are the people who will help sustain the efforts of the youth department as it continues its mission to provide youth with a face and a voice. But I am most impressed by the strong sense of pride and dignity I see in the recipients as they prepare to be the star of their own stories.  I'm excited to share their moment.


And so it goes on Wednesday, November 23, 2011, Thanksgiving Eve on the island of St. Kitts.

Random funny stuff and some thoughtful too.

My Favorite Daughter, Lucy.

"It's not about me anymore. It's about me and my son, making a better life for him."

Jacintha Marsham

Courage to Overcome:  Personal Adversity

When Jacintha Marsham was just 14 years old, she was forced to drop out of school due to pregnancy.  After the birth of her son Zion’ni, Jacintha returned to Verchilds  High determined to finish high school and make a better life for her son. Things were going okay when during the summer after form 4A1 tragedy struck.

Jacintha was taking an afternoon nap when she heard shots in the distance and her grandmother’s screams.  She rushed to her grandmother’s side and together they ran up the hill to where the shots were fired.  Covered in blood, her brother Dexter was being cradled in the arms of her brother Ricaldo.  Both were praying.  People in the crowd were shouting at her, saying that Alpha, her son’s father, had shot Dexter.  In the chaos of the scene, Jacintha realized that her son was missing.  The police couldn’t find Alpha or Zion’ni.  Finally, a neighbor from another village heard a baby crying, and Zion’ni was found alone in the bedroom of Alpha’s house.  Alpha was arrested for Dexter’s murder and remains in prison today, but the nightmare of that day and the events that followed, have forever changed Jacintha’s life. 
Dexter was her best friend, the brother she was closest to. People blamed Jacintha for his death; saying that if she’d stayed away from Alpha like she’d been warned, her brother would be alive today.  Jacintha carries the guilt of that burden with her everywhere. The pain and loss of that day are etched deeply in her heart. 

Jacintha credits her cousin Rosyln with helping her find the courage to overcome her adversities and move forward with her life.  “She has always been there for me,” Jacintha says of Rosyln.  “She is the one person I know who loves me unconditionally and it is her love that gives me the strength to carry on.  It’s not about me anymore; it’s about me and my son, making a better life for him.” 

Jacintha’s grades dropped as she tried to deal with her loss, but recovered with determination and hard work. Jacintha graduated from Verchilds last spring, sitting nine subjects and passing seven.

Jacintha believes it is important for adults to reach out to young people at an early age, to start in pre-school by teaching children the impact that today’s decisions will have on tomorrow.  Jacintha’s advice to other young people, “Be careful who you choose to be your friends; and think twice before you make any decisions.  You’ve got to understand that you can’t take back something once it’s been done.”

Jacintha is currently enrolled as a first semester student at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.  She plans to pursue a career in Criminal Law.

Jacintha is a 17 year old recent graduate of Verchilds High School.  She receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Courage to Overcome: Personal Adversity

Trevaughn Williams

Social Conscience

Social consciousness is defined as an awareness of the problems and difficulties that communities face and the issues which are important both individually and collectively. Trevaughn Williams is passionate about speaking out about such issues and about providing young people with a forum where their voices can be heard.

Even at six, Trevaughn recognized opportunity as he tagged along to ZIZ with his sister who had an appointment there. While waiting for her, a woman named Jasmine asked him if he would like to say a few words on the program she was currently hosting.  Trevaughn said “yes” and a star was born. Six years later Trevaughn continues to host the ZIZ Saturday radio program “Totally for Kids” presenting topics for discussion on a variety of issues that affect youth in St. Kitts and Nevis. 

Trevaughn has a strong voice and a quick mind.  Mature beyond his years, he views problems in the community as challenges that can be addressed through information sharing and communication.  He also believes it is important to provide diverse opportunities for engagement between young people and adults as he views this as a critical first step in building a foundation for genuine partnerships, respect and understanding.  Trevaughn feels strongly that programs such as “Totally for Kids” can be the catalyst for finding solutions through collective dialogue.

Appreciating the role social consciousness and activism have played in history, Trevaughn has many role models whom he considers inspirational, including Martin Luther King, Jr.

Trevaughn is also committed to academic excellence.  Sixth grade class Valedictorian, he has always believed in his dreams.  Trevaughn considers himself to be a fair minded and curious person; determined to learn everything he can from as many different perspectives as possible. 

Trevaughn is a 12 year old student at Washington Archibald High School with plans to attend medical school and become a physician. He receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Social Conscience. 

Rae Dawn Thomas

Theatre Arts

Rae Dawn Thomas has been actively involved in drama since 2005 when she was still a student at Tucker Clark Primary School.  “Drama helped me gain confidence in myself,” she says.  “Acting onstage was my emotional outlet.”

President of the 30 member Youth Exploring Talent Theatre group directed by nominator Moses Byron, Rae Dawn works as a coach for children ages six through twelve every Saturday afternoon training them to develop acting skills and stage performance techniques, focusing specifically on monologues. One of her goals for the clinic is to make it a place where kids can deal with their emotions, both negative and positive.  “Anger, pain whatever they’re feeling, I tell them it’s a safe place for them to be real and I encourage them to act out on stage, not offstage.” Rae Dawn’s life dream is to become the first actress from St. Kitts to reach Hollywood.

Her dream notwithstanding, Rae Dawn is also committed to sharing her passion for drama with providing a path for others to pursue their love for the arts.  Three years ago Rae Dawn created a scholarship program for students at Tucker Clark Primary School. Performing a monologue at the school to raise money to fund the program, Rae Dawn and others then select two drama students each year to receive the scholarship money which is then used to pay for school supplies.

Committed to academics as well, Rae Dawn graduated from Basseterre High School with eight distinctions.

Rae Dawn has made several DVD’s featuring her unique talent as an actress including “Hurry Dog Eat Raw Corn” and “Rae Girl on Stage.” 

Rae Dawn has a back up career plan too, and will continue to advance her education in the field of accounting. Rae Dawn currently attends Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College

Rae Dawn is a 16 year old graduate of Basseterre High School.  She is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Theatre Arts.

Patrick Walters

Writer

Patrick Walters is an outstanding student and a committed community leader, serving as an active member of SKYNPA where he volunteers 40 hours a year to community service projects.

Patrick is also the past President of the Young Leaders Project for Sustainable Development where his team placed first, and he was a member of the Washington Archibald High School Junior Achievement Program, leading his team to win Best Business Plan, Best Marketing Plan, Best Financial Plan and Best Overall Business.

Patrick wrote his C.X.C.’s in 2010 where he attained ten subject passes and five distinctions. 

Aside from his academic endeavors, Patrick has been a member of the national youth cricket teams in both the under 13 and under 19 levels, as well as the Leeward Island under 17 team.  Patrick has also been a regular contributor to Island Expressions since 2008, a performance venue showcasing the talents of writers, musicians and actors.

Patrick started writing at the age of eight. He finds his passion in words. Much of what he writes concerns issues relevant to his generation, and as an involved young man he finds much to write about.  But poetry is the style of writing in which he is most interested.  Patrick writes every day and he considers himself a poet. 

In 2010, Patrick performed at the Independence Gala Night in front of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries.  His poem, Mash Down 2:00 O’Clock, was warmly received and he has continued to perform the selection by request at other events.  Patrick derives inspiration for his poetry from music, conversations and current events.  Patrick hopes to publish a book of his poems one day.

Patrick Walters is a second year student at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where he is taking courses in law, literature and sociology.  He plans to continue writing while studying for a career as a criminal lawyer.  Patrick is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Writing.

Aldeen Isaac

Academic Excellence

Aldeen Isaac is an involved teen, too. Co-Captain of the Basseterre Cheerleading Squad for four years, Aldeen helped bring her team to victory in more than one competition.  She also participated in netball, culture club and was a member of the Young Leaders Association. Aldeen has received numerous awards for her contributions over the years including: winner, in all categories, of the 2009-2010 “Effective Speaking Competition”, winner of the 2009 Rotary Club Talent Show in the category of dance, and winner of the 2010 French Spelling Bee competition.

Aldeen is also an academic with a heart.  A talented dancer, Aldeen loves to share her passion for dance with others.  She plans to continue dancing while pursuing her advanced education at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College by becoming a member of the CFBC dance ensemble; and she wants to give back to the community by using her years of dance experience to volunteer and teach younger children both cheerleading and dance.

Nominated by her mother, Mrs. Debbie Isaac wrote “Aldeen always strives for excellence and seeks to learn something new.  Her passion for dance pushes her to thrive. She does everything to the best of her ability and possesses a high level of emotional intelligence.”

Aldeen has a keen interest in radiology, but she also has an entrepreneurial spirit and dreams one day of opening a “Super Store” like Walmart.  While undecided in which direction she will ultimately go, Aldeen is currently enrolled in a two-year program at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where she is taking courses in business management.

Aldeen is a 17 year old recent graduate of Washington Archibald High School.  Finishing school with 12 distinctions, Aldeen placed on the Honor Roll and Principal’s List every term from first through fifth form.  She receives the Remarkable Teen award for academic excellence. 

Everyday kids doing their best to be great.

Six more stories of the 25 Most Remarkable Teens in St. Kitts.  Kids committed to finding a way to make whatever it is they do in their life matter.

Tishanna Hazel

Citizenship

Tishanna Hazel believes that a good citizen should do their share to make their school, their community and the world a better place by participating in community service, taking care of the environment, and treating other people with respect and dignity. 

Tishanna does all that and more.  A thoughtful young woman, Tishanna strives to be a community resource and work towards the betterment of her country and fellow citizens.  Tishanna believes that young people need to do whatever they can both individually and collectively to be good citizens and ready themselves to become tomorrows leader today.  Tishanna believes that everyone can be a good leader if they are committed to cooperative collaboration.

As Valedictorian of her graduating class at Basseterre High School, Tishanna tested for 12 subjects, earning 11 distinctions.  She has been an active participant in many academic competitions throughout her life, and was part of the Junior Achievement Entrepreneurial program where her team created and operated a successful business.

Tishanna was also a member of a group called Teen Challenge from first through fifth form.  Teen Challenge is a religious club with the mission of spreading the spiritual message that through God anything is possible.   Tishanna continues to serve as an advisory member for Teen Challenge today.

Tishanna enjoys singing too as part of the Choral Ensemble at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College and in the choir at her church; Tishanna believes that singing is an expression of your emotions.  “Sometimes you are able t touch people’s hearts when you sing,” she says.

Tishanna feels strongly that self esteem is the most important characteristic to future success because it is in believing in yourself that you find the internal strength to make good choices.  “You can avoid being influenced to do the wrong thing if you have high self esteem,” she says.  Tishanna also feels it is important to have goals. “Without goals you don’t have anything to work toward. I believe in myself and I know I can do whatever I put my mind to.”

Tishanna will be entering her second year at Clarence Fitzroy College this fall where she is studying science and math.  She plans to continue her education in medical school with the career goal of becoming a physician specializing in Internal Medicine.

Tishanna is a 17 year old graduate of Basseterre High School. She receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Citizenship.

Zahir Harris

Music



A talented musician, Zahir Harris plays multiple instruments including piano, organ, guitar and trumpet.  In 2011, he was the first and only student from the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis to engage in the Caribbean Examinations Council Music Exam at the advanced level. He has also passed several examinations at the London based Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM)  including the piano examination at grade levels one through seven with merits and distinctions.  He is currently enrolled in the grade eight classes, the highest level offered at the Pamela Wall School of Music.  In addition, Zahir passed the ABRSM trumpet examination and the Piano Theory examination with distinction scoring 98 out of 100.  Zahir was a member of the Basseterre High School Orchestra and is currently the youngest member of the St. Kitts and Nevis Defence Force Band performing at a variety of functions including festivals and parades.

Zahir also excels as a student of information technology earning certifications from the National I.C.T. and Ministry of Education in computer and applications, graphical art and animation, multi media and digital and Photoshop.  He has served as a junior facilitator at training sessions where he has been awarded for his outstanding skills.

Zahir is a student of many interests and talents and athletics is one of them.  He is a member of the Molineux football team, a junior member of the St. Kitts Frigate Bay Development Golf Club, an avid basketball player, and a former member of the national under 15 football team.

Zahir is especially active in the Anglican Church where in 2010 he was confirmed by the Rt. Rev Bishop Leroy Brooks.  Since 2006, Zahir has served as a senior acolyte at St. Mary’s and Christ Anglican Churches, and since 2009 has assumed the role as organist at St. Georges Anglican Church, serving as the youngest church organist in the church’s  history.  Zahir is also the official house organist for the second and fourth Sundays at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Cayon.

Zahir is currently enrolled at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College. He would like to continue his education and attend medical school with the career plan to become a surgeon.

Zahir is a 16 year old recent graduate of Basseterre High School.  He is being honored as a Remarkable Teen under the category of Music. 

Taveda Isaac

Fashion Design

A struggling student at Basseterre, Taveda Isaac finally found her niche a couple of years ago when she enrolled in a textiles and design class. 

“I love the feel of fabric,” she says.  “The colors, the patterns, they inspire me to be creative.  I can envision how they will fit.  Whenever I get something in my head, I create a tiny version with things I have nearby, and then I can’t wait to get home to my sewing machine to make the real thing.  Everything about fashion and design fascinates me.”

Nominated by Maxine Walters, her textile and design teacher at Basseterre High School, Taveda credits Mrs. Walters with motivating her to explore her creativity.  “She’s taught me everything I know, and she is always there to support me.”

Taveda is currently enrolled in AVEC, the Advanced Vocational and Education Center, taking Business Secretarial courses.  The two year program will teach her a variety of skills including typing, English, math, computer and life skills. 

When asked how she feels about being honored as a remarkable teen today Taveda says, “I’ve never been recognized for being good at anything before.  It feels really good to know that somebody finally noticed me.”

Taveda plans to continue to advance her skills as a seamstress by taking private classes with skilled tailors and designers on island.  She hopes to eventually teach the textiles and design course in high schools and to share her passion for design with others.  Taveda’s life goal is to open a clothing store here in St. Kitts.

Taveda is an 18 year old graduate of Basseterre High School.  She receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Fashion Design.

N'Kosi Lucas

Courage to Overcome:  Personal Challenge

N’Kosi Lucas found the transition to high school overwhelming. He started his high school life at Verchilds as a remedial student placed in form 1V4.  Surprised and unhappy with his placement, N’Kosi felt intimidated by classmates who he says were mostly repeaters. In March of that year he stopped attending school altogether, dressing for school and then waiting for his parents to leave the house for work before returning home where he spent the day hiding his truancy from both his parents and his teachers.  In July of that year, his parents found out about his truancy when Child Protective Services officers came to his house with a summons. The officers questioned N’Kosi, thinking that it was his parents who had been keeping him from school.  N’Kosi was frightened and promised to return to school the following term. He was given a reprieve and again placed in remedial classes as a form 2V4 student.  N’Kosi was now even further behind. He says he was bullied and beaten up by classmates who were angry at him for his learning failures calling him stupid and blaming him for keeping the class behind.  Running from his problems, N’Kosi again decided to be truant, but this time was caught after a month and given the ultimatum of returning to school immediately or facing consequences through the courts.

It was then that N’Kosi realized he was in trouble, his life terribly off course. “I knew I needed to change… now,” he says, and with the help of school counselors and family, N’Kosi began the journey to turn his life around. But this turn around wasn’t only in academics, N’Kosi also became a school leader and an active volunteer in the community.  When N’Kosi graduated from Verchilds, he had served as President of the Prom/Graduating Committee, President of Student Council, and was a 15 hour a week volunteer at the community library.

N’Kosi tested in eight subjects, passing all; one with distinction.  Electronic Document Preparation Management is a skill he has mastered and enjoys sharing with others as he continues to volunteer to tutor anyone who needs help in this area.

N’Kosi believes that he is lucky to have had the support of caring adults even after making so many bad decisions.  “I was young and stupid,” he says, “always blaming others for what was wrong with my life.  It was when I was willing to admit my mistakes and accept the constructive criticism of others that I finally found the courage to change.”

N’Kosi is enrolled online in the Penn Foster College Associate Degree in Human Resources Management program.  He has completed his first semester and is looking forward to continuing in his pursuit of an AA degree.

N’Kosi  is an 18 year old graduate of Verchilds High School.  N’Kosi receives the Remarkable Teen award in the category of Courage to Overcome: Personal Challenge.

Kayla Weekes

Campus Leadership

Valedictorian and President of her graduating class at Irishtown Primary, Kayla continues her leadership activities as Secretary of Cayon High School Student Council.  A member of the school dance club, Kayla also loves to sing and dance.  She enjoys cooking too, volunteering to cook for scout outings and other youth functions. 

Friends describe Kayla as generous, helpful, loyal and kind.   Teachers consider her a role model with excellent leadership qualities, recognized by the P.T.A. for her involvement in school and community life.

Kayla cares deeply about her country and hopes to contribute to finding solutions for the crime and violence that plague her generation.  She believes strongly that everyone can make a contribution and make a difference. 

Kayla is also a leader with initiative, spearheading a school wide fundraising effort to raise money to buy a tent for students to stand under during assemblies.  She hopes to recruit others to help a local taxi driver who is beautifying neighborhoods by planting yellow bells.  Kayla wants to experience as much as she possibly can during her high school years, taking advantage of the multitude of enrichment activities and educational opportunities open to students at Cayon High.

Kayla Weekes is a 14 year old student at Cayon High School. She plans to attend medical school and pursue a career as a psychiatrist. Kayla receives the Most Remarkable Teen award in the category of Campus Leadership.

DeLonte Lewis

Civic Involvement

DeLonte Lewis seeks to involve himself in almost every aspect of the community.   He believes strongly that it is through a combination of communication and action that modern society can find solutions to almost every situation. 

While a student at CEMSS, DeLonte served as a member of the Student Council for four years. He was also an active youth organizer and has been a consistent voice for his peers. DeLonte loves to plan and organize. Committed to his position as class leader, DeLonte organized numerous activities to encourage student participation and then spearheaded fundraisers to support those activities.  In fifth form, DeLonte chaired the first ever prom committee, an endeavor he rates as highly successful.

DeLonte is presently a planning member of the group YEDEA, Youth Empowering Development through Arts and Entertainment.  As part of this group, members plan and organize events for talented young people to entertain and raise money for local causes.  They are currently producing a musical recital scheduled for February 2012.

DeLonte is an articulate young man who loves to debate.  He plans to pursue a career in political science and government.  DeLonte’s ultimate goal is to become Prime Minister of St. Kitts.

DeLonte feels it is important for young people to have a dream and to stay focused on that dream.  He would like to continue to be a voice for his generation, empowering others to speak their minds and get involved.  

Nominated by his teacher, Dorothy Markman-Caines, Mrs. Caines explains what she believes sets DeLonte apart from his peers.  “DeLonte is dynamic; an outspoken team player kind of person.  One of those students you can always count on to rally to the cause and motivate others to do the same.”

DeLonte is a recent graduate of Charles E. Mills Secondary School and plans to attend law school in the United States. He is currently enrolled at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where he is studying sociology.  He is being recognized as a Remarkable Teen in the category of Civic Involvement.