Ron Burgess being presented with his award.
Shanese Phoenix (left) proudly accepting her award from Chairman of the Barbados 4-H Foundation, Osmond Harewood.
THE Barbados 4-H Foundation awarded some of its members for their contribution to the development of the movement, in recognition of Global 4-H Day.
Nine people were awarded at the ceremony, which took place last Friday at the Harcourt Lewis Auditorium, Barbados Public Workers’ Co-operative Credit Union Limited, Belmont Road, St. Michael.
Ron Burgess, a young man who started his 4-H journey as a member of the Garrison Secondary School in 2010, received a 4-H Contribution Award. After graduating from secondary school, Burgess started his own club called Choice Community 4-H Club. Burgess copped many prizes over the years at the 4-H Achievement Day, and was 4-H Boy of the Year 2011 and 2015, having excelled in projects such as Seedling, Preparation and Rabbit Rearing.
Shanese Phoenix also received a 4-H Contribution Award. Phoenix has been a member of the 4-H Club for 12 years, serving as President for the past five years. Her ambition to become a chef was first nurtured when she became involved in the activities of the 4-H Catering Centre.
Phoenix’s recipes have won her many awards at NIFCA since 2014 – Gold and Silver medals are now becoming routine. This Foundation now benefits from her many skills as she gives back to 4-H, as she shares her knowledge with others.
David Cox, a member of the Fairy Valley Community 4-H in Christ Church since its formation in 2012, has a deep passion for the care of livestock.
Cox, who spearheaded a Black Belly Sheep project between the Foundation and the IICA, also received a 4-H Contribution Award for his diligence and love for animals, which has seen the growth of the project which now has the potential to become a model for other clubs.
The encouragement of parent involvement in the 4-H Programme is a key component in the strategy of the 4-H Foundation. In fact, history has shown that where parents become involved in the programme, the 4-H experience for the children is more rewarding and fulfilling. For her outstanding contribution, parent Donnella Holder, who attends all meetings of the St. Christopher Primary 4-H Club, was awarded for bringing a source of joy and inspiration to her daughters Shalea and Shalana.
Janice Coppin started as a 4-H Parent at the Gordon Walters Primary School in Christ Church. She later moved to the Vauxhall United Community 4-H Club in the same parish. She was attracted to the activities of the 4-H Catering Centre and brings an enthusiasm and energy to whatever task she is assigned. Coppin, who was described as one of the most reliable persons engaged in the Catering Centre, was rewarded for her contribution.
Julian Pilgrim’s minibus is affectionately referred to as “The 4-H Bus” as he provides transportation mainly for the Holders Hill Community 4-H Club, at a minimum charge, and is known for always being at the Club’s beck and call, even at short notice.
Pilgrim was rewarded not only for being reliable in providing transportation for the Club, but also for being a father figure and always insisting on responsible behaviour.
A Meritorious Award was given to Anthony White, who has remained faithful to the philosophy and values of the 4-H Movement, since becoming a member in the 1980’s. Over the years, White has served as 4-H Leader and Executive Member of the Leaders Council, representing 4-H at several overseas conferences.
Through his commitment and dedication, White has contributed significantly to the projects of the 4-H Movement over the years, serving as a volunteer and co-ordinator of club activities in the Central Zone.
Annette Blackman is proud to be a member of one of the first ten 4-H clubs in Barbados, under the aegis of the Ministry of Agriculture, established in 1963. For many years, Blackman’s contribution was at the club level, serving as a project leader and mentor to young people in her district. She too has shared her skills at a national level and has represented Barbados at conferences overseas.
Blackman, who brings a no-nonsense approach to deliberations, served as Director of the Barbados 4-H Foundation for a number of years, introducing systems which have enabled greater financial accountability. Her contribution to the 4-H Catering Centre has been outstanding. Blackman received a meritorious award at the ceremony.
Natasha Douglas Daniel was also rewarded for the outstanding contribution she makes to the Foundation, through performing administrative roles. (AH)