Government introduces gongs for younger generation

| 05/02/2013

(CNS): With the continuing popularity of awards, medals and gongs in Cayman honouring anything from a job well done or upholding local culture to long time achievements, government has introduced a new award scheme that will honour and highlight the achievements of Cayman’s young people. The Proud of Them campaign, launched on Monday by the youth minister, offers the public a chance to nominate a young person, between the ages of 10 and 25, to be recognised for their highest achievements. The community has until 1 March to put the names of individuals who have made a significant level of attainment in academics, career, business, sports, culture or community service. Once selected, honourees will be featured on billboards for a period of six months at a time.

“Public nominations allow citizens to exercise their national pride by celebrating our very own young ambassadors,” said Mark Scotland, as he urged local residents to nominate.

“We need everyone’s help to ensure that the ministry adequately captures those who deserve the opportunity to be recognised for their achievements. Although the community has embraced the positive achievements of young people for many years, it is time to show the entire community that hard work really does pay off. So let us celebrate the success of young persons and allow them be an inspiration to us all.” 

Nominations are encouraged from each district so that those selected will have a direct, real and relevant connection to young people of that particular district. “Promoting the strengths of our youth will force us to work together and build stronger communities,” Scotland added.

Proud of Them Committee Chairman Joel Francis said there was a lack of recognition for the accomplishments of some young people. “Recognition is much more meaningful than we think,” he said, adding that officials were hopeful that this programme would empower young people to continue to strive higher, while inspiring others to do the same.

Proud of Them nomination form are available online at www.ministryofhealth.gov.ky and www.gov.ky For more information, or to submit your nominations, contact the organising committee at email proudofthem@gov.ky

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  1. St Peter says:

    Seeing that 70% of our students failed in math may I suggest that we give the medals to the 30% that passed?

  2. Anonymous says:

    It is just pathetic, like the whole administration.

  3. BT Soljah says:

    Must be election time since Marky Mark n the fraudulent 5 are desperate to have their own rewards ceremony to try and spend gowermint funds by formally buying votes with fruit punch and corn beef sandwiches. Please Do not be fooled voters because Mark, Dwayne, Cline, Rolston and Mrs Air Miles (Juliana) gots to go!

  4. Castor says:

    My God, are we this unsure of ourselves?

  5. Anonymous says:

    Can I still be nominated if my name is on the  Cause List for Summary Court?

  6. Tickle My Pickle says:

    It would suck to be 25 and get beaten by a 10 year old

  7. Anondarass says:

    Are we really so INSECURE as a people that we must constantly find ways to heap praise and accolades upon ourselves?
    Why doesn’t the “Forever Honorable Minister” just pass a decree making EVERY Caymanian a National Hero, MBE, OBE, more BS, etc … ?
    Perhaps then these ‘Political parasites’ will be able to find the time to actually accomplish someting meaningful for our country!

    • Anonymous says:

      Yes. You are.

      That is why the email sign offs resemble the closing credits of a Lord of the Rings movie.

    • Anonymous says:

      or, maybe young children who are creative and accomplished, working within the rules and achieving great things deserve awards more than recognised on heroes day. i have no problem whatsoever recognising exemplorary young people – it will help they on the right track and be an example to others. not too many adults around the place for the kids to look up to and adults need recognition even less than kids.

  8. Anonymous says:

    more alice in wonderland stuff…….zzzzzzz

  9. Anonymous says:

    Seriously. Is this the most important thing that government should be spending time on? Patting our selves on the back and creating more overhead when we can't balance the budget as is. Really?