YOUNG BAJAN CREATIVES TAKE THE WIN!

Twelve piggy banks have grown compliments of the National Cultural Foundation’s COVID-19 Prevent The Spread Competition! Asher Peters, Jahleel Browne, Milan Ashton, Sahara Farley, Nzingha Joseph, Chloe St. Marie, Myeisha Bryan, Dominic Brathwaite, Jon-ross Gittens, Tiara Lashley, Joshua Watson and Ziva Douglas emerged victorious from a field of one hundred and ninety-nine young creatives to receive their prizes at the NCF on Wednesday, July 15th, 2020.

The COVID-19 Prevent the Spread Contest, which attracted 199 entrants who submitted 202 entries, was the brainchild of Barbados’ COVID-19 Czar Richard Carter who was present for the prize-giving ceremony. Mr. Carter, who has worked with young people for decades, emphasized to winners and the parents present the importance of recognising that young people are important influencers. He also took the opportunity to remind everyone that the youth are not just passively impacted by COVID-19. The idea, which was born out of a need to engage children during lockdown, was implemented as a way to ensure young Barbadians become productive citizens of the future.

NCF CEO Carol Roberts-Reifer expressed her delight at the response to the competition calling the number of entries “very healthy, especially at this time”. An exuberant Roberts-Reifer also took the opportunity to remind the little and big ones in the audience to remain positive, adhere to health protocols and continue their pursuit of livelihoods in the Arts, encouraging them to sign up for the free courses now being offered within the National Training Programme for Culture and Creative Arts.