Young Professional Lincoln A. Ward is a music teacher, producer, recording artiste and aspiring building contractor. Photo: Provided

Lincoln A. Ward and his wife recently released a Christmas album 'The Reason For Christmas'. It is available for purchase at One Mart and élan Gift Boutique on Lower Main Street (next to the Roger Downing Building). Photo: Provided

Lincoln A. Ward has been a music teacher at Elmore Stoutt High School since 2005. Photo: Provided

Young Professional Lincoln A. Ward is the owner and engineer of a recording studio, Beatlink Productions Inc. Photo: Provided

Lincoln recalled working with his father in their woodwork shop and teaching piano with mother Margaret shortly after when he was about eight years of age. Whereas children his age were given allowances, he was taught to work for what he wanted and it was that which led him to be very focused on what and where he wanted to be in life.

There is no doubt that with his parents, Lincoln had no choice when it came to putting academics first in his young life. His foundation started at the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School from where he graduated as the Salutatorian in the Class of 1995.

The BVI High School, now Elmore Stoutt High School, (ESHS) was the next level and there he graduated at age 15 in 2000 amongst the top 10 graduates.

Passion for the arts/academics

Our young professional always had a passion for the arts and it’s not surprising as his mom is versed in music.

“I had an extreme love for music which saw me performing in various groups. This led to me to writing and performing music from age 15, which led me to college. I spent a year at HLSCC, following which I ventured further to University of the Virgin Islands where I pursued music and Computer Science. However, due to competing majors, I opted to complete my degree in Computer Science and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in that field in 2005,” Lincoln said.

Our Young Professional recently completed studies in Contracting and which now makes him a licensed contractor even as he pursues an Electrical license, studies of which have already been completed. As a young homeowner, he said he has recognised that there is a struggle where young people find it difficult to build their own homes and it is his hope that he can one day help to advise and construct more affordable homes.

Today he is a music teacher at the Elmore Stoutt High School, a position he has been in since 2005. Added to that he is also the owner and engineer of a recording studio, Beatlink Productions Inc. since 2008. However, he has been in the field of recording for over 15 years.

“I was led to my chosen career paths by my parents. My mother has been a music teacher and owner of a music school for several years, where I taught music (piano and guitar) with her as a young boy. Similarly, my father was an electrician and carpenter. Therefore, I have been exposed to the fine arts as well as the construction field for my entire life.”

Lincoln’s hobbies include playing the trombone in the HLSCC jazz ensemble and the piano at church.

Young ladies! Eyes off! Lincoln has been happily married for almost two years. “In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my wife and also leading the Purcell Methodist Youth Choir and the National Boys Chorale with her.”

Proudest accomplishments

“As well as being a music producer and studio owner, that career mainly started due to me being a recording artist.” In 2007, his music video for 'Soakin' Wet' was the first Virgin Islands' video to make it to the number 1 position of Tempo's Cross Caribbean Countdown. He subsequently released five more music videos and three studio albums between 2006 and 2010.

After a 7 year hiatus from being a recording artist, Lincoln and his wife recently released a Christmas album 'The Reason For Christmas'. It was released on November 28, 2016 and was birthed out of the idea of bridging the gap between people and the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ. The album features 12 tracks (9 traditional Christmas songs and 3 originals). It is available for purchase at One Mart and élan Gift Boutique on Lower Main Street (next to the Roger Downing Building).

Lincoln says it is his hope to see young people find their way to becoming “positive and productive citizens that help uplift each other within our society as they are our future.”

Advise to youth

The talented, focused and ambitious Lincoln A. Ward advises youth, especially males, to always think on the topic 'purpose'.

“I do think our society has changed where the community is no longer allowed to raise a child as it once did and young men especially are more and more in the position of having to raise themselves with positive influences in their lives. To be 'REAL' these days its seems as though you have to be a gangster or womaniser to be respected. My advice would be to find purpose for your passion, work hard, be a leader not a follower. Be about something positive, ever so simple. Men are, biblically speaking, put on the earth to lead. We have a God-given directive to lead our families and without a purpose, we can't fulfill that mandate.”