Youth talent and achievement took centre stage on Sunday as Dove Productions celebrated participants and sponsors behind three initiatives focused on young people in Saint Lucia.
The appreciation and awards ceremony on Thanksgiving holiday, held at Dove Gardens in Rodney Heights, brought together participants, sponsors and officials involved in the Independence Culinary Gold Cuisine Challenge, the Caribbean Youth Film Festival and Saint Lucia Junior Jazz.
All three events are spearheaded by Colin Weekes and his team at Dove Productions, with a strong focus on youth participation and development. Saint Lucia Junior Jazz is endorsed by the Castries Constituency Council and the Department of Local Government.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Castries and acting Minister for Local Government Stephenson King, who joined in recognising the value of initiatives that provide opportunities for young people.
Participants in the Caribbean Youth Film Festival received certificates of participation, while Independence Culinary Gold Cuisine Challenge winner Tyler Willie of Calabash Hotel received a medal and prize from Chef Orlando Satchell.
The annual culinary challenge is a collaboration between Dove Productions and Island Ripple, with Satchell serving as head judge. This year, six participants were challenged to use breadfruit and smoked herring in their fine-dining presentation.
Guests at Sunday’s ceremony also had an opportunity to sample some of the dishes, including breadfruit tacos with smoked herring.
The programme also featured performances by some of the young artistes who took part in this year’s Junior Jazz event.
Great initiative! I believe there could be more interest in film production for the youth. This initiative has been in action for several years now . It is time for the youth to see their work on screen 🙀. I would like to suggest that a film competition by youth and for youth should be held every year . Our investments in film production or film producers is nothing to boast about if we do not take drastic measures to ensure that those who are interested see their passion exposed in more meaningful ways . By now our students should be viewing their films on some of our local television stations .
Great initiative! I would have loved to experience an exhibition or short film experience with those who went through the learning process or experience. Why not establish a film exhibition or competition between schools , communities or groups ? I believe this will create greater interest. Congratulations 👏👏👏. Thanks for your consistent effort Collins Weeks .