Tramaine Polin was the Most Outstanding Trainee at the passing out ceremony of the Barbados Youth Service (BYS) yesterday.
Polin captured several titles at the parade held at the Barbados Cadet Camp Site, Paragon, Christ Church.
He was the trainee with the best understanding of the programme’s objectives, one who readily rose to the occasion, always offering assistance and setting the pace for the other trainees to follow.
He was one of 77 trainees who started the one-year developmental programme in October.
Director of the Barbados Youth Service, Hally Haynes, said the organisation was a critical youth intervention tool and it should be given the support of Government and the private sector.
“This institution is a key component of the Government’s youth development strategy and we will continue in our efforts to promote youth development, but more importantly creating a space that our young people can succeed,” Haynes said.
The group, he said, was one of the best set of trainees he had seen in 16 years as director and he praised parents for the support lent to their children. He called on them to give continued support to their children, especially at this stage of their development.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Celia Toppin said the work of the BYS was in keeping with the country’s National Youth Policy of empowering young people.
She added that while the BYS programme was open to all young people, it was particularly for those looking for a second chance.
President of the BYS Trainees Council, Leyanne Elcock, said the experience consisted of waking early in the morning, washing clothes, sharing their space with so many others and having to deal with various attitudes and personalities.
During the residential component of the programme, the young boys and girls participated in sports, martial arts, drama, drumming, voice training, dance and also worked toward gaining CXC qualifications.
Fifty-seven males and 20 females completed the three-month residential programme at Paragon, which ended yesterday, and resume the programme next month.
At the parade, family, friends and guests were treated to entertainment that included singing, drama, a drum corp and a drill display under the direction of Warden Christopher Padmore.
(LK)
