THE HEAD OF BGLAD (Barbados Gays and Lesbians Against Discrimination) Donnya Piggott, has been given a prestigious honour by Queen Elizabeth ll.
She was this evening named as one of 60 young people from across the Commonwealth, including three others from the Eastern Caribbean to receive the inaugural Queen’s Young Leaders Award.
“I’m elated, happy for this award. What it does is it recognises the cause,” 24 year old Piggott told NATIONNEWS.com.
BGLAD is a fledgling non-governmental organisation involved in advocacy on behalf of gays, lesbians, bi-sexual and transgender people in the Barbadian society.
The Award, which will be presented in London by Her Majesty The Queen in June, and is part of The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme, celebrates the achievements of young people who are taking the lead to transform the lives of others and make a lasting difference in their communities.
This year’s Award winners, between ages 18 and 29, are working to support others, raise awareness and inspire change on a variety of different issues including; education, climate change, gender equality, mental health and disability equality.
The other recipients from the Caribbean are Kellyn George from Dominica, Javon Liburd from St Kitts & Nevis and Kenville Horne from St Vincent & the Grenadines.
Dr Astrid Bonfield CBE, Chief Executive of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust said: “The leadership of talented young people in all spheres of life can transform communities and societies for the better. What the 60 young people announced today have achieved is remarkable and their plans for the future are truly inspiring.
“The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is poised to unlock the potential of this diverse and talented group of young people and we are delighted to be supporting them to go further and achieve more.” (ES)
