The Ministry of Youth and Sports hosted the first-ever Youth Rally and Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, 1 December 2024, celebrating the achievements, talents, and contributions of young people from across Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
The impactful event, held at the Radisson Grenada Beach Resort brought together hundreds of young people, including youth parliamentarians, community leaders, and youth entrepreneurs in a powerful display of unity and empowerment.
The rally, themed “Empower, Engage, Inspire: Youth Shaping Grenada’s Future Together” featured powerful musical performances, and motivational speeches, from Minister for Youth and Sports Hon. Delma Thomas, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Sen. Seville Francis, Lindon Victor, Olympic Bronze Medallist and featured speaker Tyeisha Emmanuel, dynamic youth advocate from Anguilla.
The event’s engaging activities were aimed at inspiring young people to strive for excellence and embrace leadership roles within their communities. It also highlighted the efforts of our youth parliamentarians and change-makers of our country, who are making significant strides in various fields, including education, sports, culture and the arts, and entrepreneurship.
In her remarks, Hon. Delma Thomas, Minister for Youth and Sports applauded the young people of Carriacou and Petite Martinique for their resilience and pledged to support them in their endeavours and their vision for the sister isles.
She commended the honorees for their dedication and commitment to excellence, stating: “Today we celebrate the vibrant energy and the incredible strides we have made together in 2024. Your achievements, our achievements, show what is possible when young men and women are empowered, supported and inspired by a Government that truly cares for our youth.”
Grenadian Cricketer Afy Fletcher recognised for her consistency and skills in the sport and her sterling contribution to the West Indies Women’s Cricket team in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, received a diplomatic passport and EC$80,000 from the Government of Grenada.
Grenadian Olympic Bronze Medallists Lindon Victor OBE and Anderson Peters MBE, both received their deeds and plans for lands. Both athletes have gained regional and international recognition as sports ambassadors and continue to inspire athletes worldwide.
Renniel Gilbert, National Chess Champion and Fide Master who recently represented Grenada at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary also received an award that will support his future academic pursuits at St George’s University, The University of the West Indies or another university of his choosing.
Tyler Smith, Paralympic Athlete, Shot Put and Ishona Charles, Shot Put and Javelin, both received US$5,000 for representing Grenada at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris.
Other honorees were internationally renowned Coach Paul Phillip and Grenadian Medical Doctor Deborah Ann Stephens-John. Coach Phillip officially received his land deed and plan, while Dr Stephens-John received an Official Passport and US$5,000 for her historic achievement for Grenada and the region, appointed by the International Olympic Committee as a Ringside Doctor for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The event also provided a platform for the ministry to announce youth-centred initiatives, including the 2025 Youth Awards, Youth Elections scheduled for 5 December 2024, M-Power 4.0 and ElevateHer.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports extends its gratitude to all partners, sponsors, and participants who contributed to the success of the youth rally and recognition ceremony. This event underscores the ministry’s commitment to empowering and recognising the potential of young people as vital contributors to national development.
Ministry of Youth and Sports
