Five New Recipients Of Gold Award

Five Barbadians can now add the Duke of Edinburgh???s Gold Award to their belt.

Honoured this morning at Government House, the awardees were presented with their certificates by His Royal Highness, the Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward in a ceremony, witnessed by Acting Governor-General, Elliot Belgrave.

The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward is pictured with the recipients of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award,??from left: Ayana Applewhaite, Derron Austin, Donique Austin, Reba Bowen and Gabrielle Custance. (C. Pitt/BGIS)

The recipients are Ayana Applewhaite, Derron Austin, Donique Austin, Keba Bowen and Gabrielle Custance.

Prince Edward lauded the awardees and said: ???Congratulations on a fantastic achievement and I hope that it has been a worthwhile experience, if you look back over all of the adventures that you have undertaken

Although it is an individual achievement it is a team effort as you all know lots of people have been involved in actually making it happen.

The Duke of Edinburgh???s Award, is presented to persons in the Commonwealth between the ages of 14 and 25 who make outstanding contributions in a particular public pursuit.

It is divided into three levels: gold, silver and bronze.?? To obtain an award, participants must demonstrate excellence in a number of areas, including service, skills, physical recreation and expeditions.

(T Blackman-BGIS)