Earl recognises young Dukers

(CNS): One of the stops on Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex’ brief visit to the Cayman Islands yesterday (Thursday 5 February) was the Governor’s house where he presented 53 bronze Duke of Edinburgh awards and 9 silver to young people who had participated in the programme. The Earl congratulated the young people and said he hoped that they had enjoyed participating and that it had given them opportunity to see what they could achieve and had spurred them on to do more in their lives.

“To all these young people, I know that although the award is about individual achievement it is also about a team effort,” Prince Edward said. “They know that working as a team they got this far, but also a lot of other people have been involved teachers, leaders, parents, friends whoever it is thank you for all that you have done and I hope you have shared a little of the pride watching these young people receive their certificates.”

He said he hoped that the awardees would keep on the programme and move on up to the next level and aim for gold. “I hope one day to see you all up there with a gold pin and representing your country,” he added.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme was established in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. Operating in over 120 countries it is dedicated to the development of young people.  Since the Cayman Islands began participating hundreds of young Caymanians have gone through the programme and gone on to achieve bronze, silver and gold awards.