A RISING cricket star and a young innovator copped the top awards at the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service's (MYDNS) National Youth Awards at the Hyatt Regency in Port of Spain on September 19.
Brianna Harricharan won the youth of the year award for the ages ten-17 category and Dareem Jeffery won the youth of the year award for the ages 18-35 category.
Harricharan also won the sport award for ages ten-17, while Jeffery also won the entrepreneurship award for ages 18-35.
Harricharan, 16, is a versatile athlete who has excelled in cricket, tennis and martial arts, and has represented TT at international levels.
Her latest achievement was being selected for the Under 19 West Indies Women’s cricket team. The team is next set to play in January next year.
“I feel really humbled and grateful. I have to say thanks so much to the people that nominated and selected me,” she said.
She said sport helps youth grow in several ways, not just athletically.
“Sport develops young people physically, mentally and socially. Not only does it keep you active and healthy but it also helps you to build relationships.”
Jeffery, 28, is the founder of Eco Wash, an award-winning car-wash company that uses eco pods, a device that guarantees a clean car using only two litres of water.
[caption id="attachment_1109863" align="alignnone" width="1004"] President Christine Kangaloo awards Dareem Jeffrey for his outstanding achievement with EcoWash, an award-winning car-wash company that uses eco pods, a device that guarantees a clean car using only two litres of water. The company's business model also empowers youth. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
The company’s business model involves empowering youth by giving them the opportunity to
run their own units and reducing water waste, particularly during the dry season.
“I am just super-excited to have won this award,” Jeffery said. “I won international awards, but getting one on home soil means a lot to me.
"I hope it is an inspiration to youths to understand that entrepreneurship is a legitimate option outside of the eight-four jobs.”
He said as small island developing states, this region’s youth has the answers that the world needs, especially on innovation.
“Innovation can be simple, but it could have a global impact. We are a resourceful people. We just have to look at the challenges and problems out there. It is the only thing that can bridge luxury and sustainability.”
The MYDNS Youth Awards is an annual awards gala that recognises the nation’s youth in a range of fields including sport, entrepreneurship, technical vocation, agriculture and the arts.
This year’s awards were aimed at inspiring young people to contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
[caption id="attachment_1109864" align="alignnone" width="1024"] The National Youth Awards 2024 hosted by the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service's at the Hyatt Regency on September 19. - Photo by Roger Jacob[/caption]
President Christine Kangaloo cha
