Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (third from right) and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn (third from left) pose with the Emerging Fellows and their parents. Photo: VINO

Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (left), J'Nique L. Williams (centre) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (right) following the ceremony yesterday. Photo: VINO

One of the awardees (left) about to collect her award from Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith (centre) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (right). Photo: VINO

A section of the audience at yesterday's Emerging Fellows ceremony. Photo: VINO

The announcement was made at a simple ceremony in the Conference Room of BVI Finance, Cutlass Towers, in Road Town.

This year’s recipients are Anika Christopher, 16, of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre who will be going to the Creative Writing Academy, Oxford Scholastica Academy; Jolene Bowens, 16, of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre who will be attending the High School Visual Arts Summer Programme, Interlochen Center for the Arts; Kaleb C. Dawson, 13, of the Elmore Stoutt High School who will be going off to the Interlochen Summer Arts Camp to study Piano playing; and Janae A. Estridge, 16, of the Elmore Stoutt High School is off to the Eastern US Music Camp, Colgate University.

Also awarded were Amali Graham, 16, of the Elmore Stoutt High School who will be off to the US Coast Guard-AIM Summer Programme; J’Sally O’Niel, 16, of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre is off to a three-week Immersion Programme at Georgetown University; Anwar Penn, 12, of the Elmore Stoutt High School is off to the TASIS Spanish Summer Programme in Puerto Rico; J’Nique L. Williams, 16, of the Bregado Flax Educational Centre is off to Cornell University Summer College; Whitney J. Smith, 19, of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College is off to the MED/VET Summer Leadership Academy of Georgetown University; and Valique Graham, 17, of the H. Lavity Community College is off to the Northern Florida Speed Track Club to focus on Track and Field.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn said that he was very proud of the ten young people. “We are very proud of all of you...we are proud of your achievements to far and look forward to supporting your ambitions in your chosen field,” said the Minister.

He said that since 2012, the Government of the Virgin Islands has sent off some 28 students to different programmes related to the Arts, Education and Sports.

The Minister of Education said his Ministry has made significant investments in supporting the total development of young Virgin Islanders and residents. He said that the level of investment in the Emerging Fellows Programme speaks to the Government’s commitment in ensuring that they provide young people with the training and exposure in the fields that they desire to pursue.

“Things tight,” said the Minister. “But despite the pressures the Premier and the Government face I am very pleased that we were able to keep our promise and our commitment to offer our youth the opportunity to explore these skills,” he said.

The Minister told the emerging fellows that when they go off to their various programmes they will be challenged at every turn and their confidence could be shaken. But he urged them to strive for excellence and to do their best.