first annual Commissioner's Outstanding Youth Awards were handed out at the Police Recreation Club in Devonshire.

Presenting the awards, which recognise the abilities of young people in a variety of categories, was Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon, who called the presentation an "important'' occasion.

"Some people say that the young people of today are a lost generation, that they won't make it,'' she said before giving out the prizes. "It's very fitting on an occasion like this that we can prove some people wrong. There are many more of our young people who are making it.'' Examples of those young people came in the form of the 18 students from eight parishes who were chosen for awards or special mention by a special Police committee.

Two awards per parish were given out to candidates between the ages of 16 and 24 -- one to a male and one to a female. Paget was the only parish that failed to submit candidates for the prizes, which emphasised "attitude, behaviour and voluntary service''.

Winners of the awards included Mr. David Minors and Miss Azelia Providence from Sandys Parish, Mr. Najib Chentouf and Miss Carla Lambert from Southampton, Mr. Owen Simons and Miss Koshea Scott from Warwick, Mr. Bernell Williams and Miss Lizsa Rawlins from Pembroke, Mr. Charles Rochester and Miss Dawn Rochester from Devonshire, Miss Katrina Darrell of Smith's, Mr. Darren Herbert of Hamilton Parish and Mr. Chen Foley of St. George's.

As certain parishes were not fully represented, special mention went to Miss Nekesha Holdipp, Miss Janita Burke and Mr. James Bean from Sandys, Miss Odia Vassell from Warwick and Mr. Kelljon Evans from Hamilton Parish.

Certificates of participation were also awarded to Miss Zulema Mills, Miss Alicia Russell, Miss Crystal Caesar, Miss E-Rika Black, Mr. Sheldon Holder, Mr. Stephen Woodley Jr., Miss Gladwina O'Mara, Miss Nadine Smith and Miss Kenisha Francis.

Said acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Alex Forbes at the conclusion of the event: "I think this evening has gone a long way to strengthening the relationship between Police and youth. There is no doubt that the future of our country is in good hands.'' The youth awards were scheduled to coincide with Police Week.

UPWARD BOUND -- Some of the winners of this week's Outstanding Youth Awards pose with Acting Commissioner of Police Mr. Alex Forbes and Youth and Sport Minister the Hon. Pam Gordon. Pictured from left are Miss Dawn Rochester, Mr.

Bernell Williams, Miss Carla Lambert, Commissioner Forbes, Miss Katrina Darrell, Ms Gordon, Miss Nekesha Holdipp, Miss Odia Vassell and Mr. Darren Herbert.