Former VINO staff Javon A. Liburd will be bestowed a Youth Leadership Award at the age of 24‎ by Queen Elizabeth II. He will be one of four to be so honoured among the Commonwealth territories. Photo: Provided

Mr Javon A. Liburd is ecstatic about being recognised by the Queen. Photo: Provided

Javon A. Liburd with St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr Denzil Douglas. Photo: Provided

His stint with the company had seen him produce a number of breaking stories, however, he then took the decision to return to his homeland St Kitts and Nevis where he ventured out into avenues to positively impact the lives of youths of his country.

Today Liburd’s name appears among a list of 60 youths who will make history by receiving youth honours from Queen Elizabeth ll.

He will be bestowed a Youth Leadership Award at the age of 24‎ and as one of four to be so honoured among the Commonwealth territories. 

According to a release from the Government of St Kitts and Nevis,“Javon was raised single-handedly by his mother. Despite facing financial hardship, she instilled in him the value of education. This inspired Javon to set up J3H, a project that helps young people in his community. J3H has raised funds to give prizes to outstanding students from village schools."

The three others from the Caribbean are Donnya Piggott from Barbados, Kellyn George from Dominica and Kenville Horne from St Vincent & the Grenadines, according to the St Kitts Government.

Speaking exclusively with this news site from St Kitts, Mr Liburd said "‎Yes it came as a surprise to me but I am so thankful. Being recognised by the queen isn’t something easy or common. I am super excited for the recognition. It tells me that I am on the right path and encourages me to do even more."

Liburd said that‎ in 2013 he started a community group in his village called J3H (Joining Hearts, Heads and Heads), aimed at achieving excellence together as a neighbourhood.

"Serving in the capacity as President of this organisation, we hosted fundraisers to donate books to our community library, we presented gifts to outstanding students who graduated out of our village primary school, and we worked hand in hand with the school on different projects and presented gifts to elderly persons and stalwarts in our community."

The young leader said the group attempted to foster a more cohesive community and hosted social events, bringing out families and friends to join together, and just have fun. "Our time was solely geared towards creating positive change in our community," he further explained.

The Award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in June, is part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme and celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.

This year’s award winners, aged between 18 and 29 are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is a new initiative established by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in partnership with Comic Relief and the Royal Commonwealth Society in recognition of The Queen’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth. Over the next four years the Programme will support thousands of young people.

In addition to the Queen’s Young Leaders Awards, the Programme will provide grants to support organisations in selected countries across the Commonwealth that work with young people to transform their lives.