The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) on Monday launched its 2003 almanac which features profiles of six young achievers who were presented with awards for exemplary commitment to education and skills development.
The six youths are Vishaal Persaud, Stacey Ming, Cherisa McLean, Stephon Henry, Asha Seaforth and Tariq Uddin.
The selection of the achievers was made through a promotion by the bank titled "Recognition of Young Achievers" in which persons were invited to nominate young people between the ages of 10 to 16 who deserved recognition for their commitment and dedication in the fields of education, sport, religion, community service or other fields. In the promo, six of the entries were to be identified to be featured in the bank's 2003 almanac.
Each of the six young achievers received a cash prize of $15,000 in a GBTI Early Savers Account, while another twelve notable profiles were selected to be on display in the bank for the rest of this year.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony at the bank's head office on Water Street, John Barnes, Manager of the Inspection Division, described the occasion as one which seeks to recognise in a tangible way the achievements of young people. He also commended the achievers for their commitment to education, skills development and selfless community service.
Persaud, a Queen's College student, told this newspaper he was not immediately enthusiastic upon learning of his nomination. However, he is now delighted though somewhat anxious about being seen by thousands of people all over the country.
Ming recalled that she was elated when her grandfather nominated her. The thirteen-year-old student of the Marian Academy is the youngest of the six selected. She described herself as a rounded, balanced person and credits her achievements to her parents, teachers and herself.