A number of outstanding young Jamaicans in a variety of fields of study, work and interest were recipients of the Prime Minister’ss Youth Award for Excellence On Sunday.

Among them was Romain Virgo, international recording artiste, for his outstanding contribution to the field of arts and culture. After receiving his award the young vocalist shared his thoughts with The Gleaner.

“It is the biggest award for any young person in Jamaica to be honoured by the Prime Minister. So it’s a joy and I feel honoured and humble. At the same time it is motivation and I will just keep on pushing on and work harder,” said Virgo.

Later in the programme, Virgo and fellow awardee, Basilla Barnaby, responded on behalf of the nominees.

Barnaby, who was the recipient of the award for her work in the field of journalism, began her speech with an attention grabber. Virgo on the other hand entertained the audience with songs like Mi Cyaan Sleep and Don’t You Remember, from his catalogue.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards for Excellence & Jamaican Youth in Concert was held at the spacious Emancipation Park on Sunday. The theme was “Youth on a Mission É Project 2062”

The tightly scheduled and executed programme saw presentation of awards to the 2012 recipients as well as excellent performances from different arms of the performing arts.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller said she was delighted at the achievements of the young Jamaicans.

Her speech was filled with encouragement and adoration for the nominees “You have achieved so early in your life because you nurtured hope. Always be guided by the prospect of a brighter and better tomorrow,” she told them.

Minister of Youth and Culture, Lisa Hanna, told the gathering that what they were witnessing was “the excellence of the next generation that will herald a new time of courage passion, resilience and fortitude for Jamaica to remain the cultural capital of the world”.

The speeches and presentations were sandwiched with some entertaining performances from The National Dance Theatre Company and the Company Dance Theatre.

Christopher Martin excited with Mi Fren Dem and Chill Spot.

But it was nine-year-old Remone Watson and Kevin Downswell who took the audience to church.

Downswell sang his popular You Make Me Stronger, while young Watson entertained with Revival Praise.

Also performing on the programme were Silver Birds Steel Orchestra, Institute of Jamaica Junior Centre East Street Drummers and Immaculate Conception High School Symphony Orchestra.

Di Blue Print Band concluded proceedings with a high-energy performance.

Against a fantastic-looking backdrop, other awards were presented in the areas of entrepreneurship, agriculture, leadership, youth in service, academics, international achievement and sports. Debbie Bissoon was the MC.

Jamaica Gleaner

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

(Romain Virgo – Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer)