CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – May 18, 2026 – Fourteen outstanding male students from across Nevis have been recognized for their exceptional academic achievement, community service, leadership, and personal character as recipients of the 2026 Boys of Excellence Awards, presented by the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) Department of Gender Affairs.
The celebratory award ceremony, which took place at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park, brought together government officials, educators, families, and community members to honor the young men who have set a positive example for their peers through contributions to their schools, households, and local neighborhoods. Each awardee was selected for demonstrating core values including selflessness, academic dedication, athletic excellence, volunteerism, and ethical conduct that align with the program’s mission to lift up exceptional young boys across the island.
The 2026 cohort of honorees represents 14 primary and secondary schools across Nevis, each bringing their own unique strengths and contributions to their communities: Kyran Hendrickson of Cecile Browne Integrated School, praised for his integrity, willingness to support classmates and teachers, and commitment to fostering unity among peers; Ezra Hanley of Ivor Walters Primary School, recognized for his strong academic record, humble demeanor, and outstanding sportsmanship; Kemarii Reed of Maude Crosse Preparatory School, a top-performing Grade 3 student who serves as captain of the Positive Vybz Steel Orchestra and volunteers regularly for community and faith-based events; Naiim Morton of Montessori Academy, a longstanding, well-respected school member known for his consistent academic excellence and polite, caring approach to all members of the school community; Kaijay Powell of Nevis Academy, a multi-talented student involved in cricket, football, and drama who prioritizes lifting up peers who feel excluded; Jah-lique Chambers of Charlestown Primary School, a disciplined, humble student dedicated to building core life skills of responsibility and accountability; Izariel Webbe of St. Thomas Primary School, a talented student-athlete who competes in quiz bowls, football, and track and field, exemplifying teamwork and determination; Hazo Ottley of St. James Primary School, a quiet, compassionate multi-instrumentalist and athlete who serves as a positive influence among peers; Elvorn Herbert of Violet O. Jeffers Nicholls Primary School, a peer-focused leader and student-athlete whose maturity and compassion outpace his years; Te’adrian Toss of Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School, a well-rounded student-athlete who balances academic success with strong social leadership; Aaron Daljit of Joycelyn Liburd Primary School, a consistently top-ranked student, talented steelpan musician, and regular volunteer at school, church, and home; Cleston Bartlette of Gingerland Secondary School, a model student and community volunteer who serves as a student ambassador, defense force cadet, and church drummer; Jedaiah Carter of Nevis International Secondary School, an honor roll scholar-athlete who has medaled in all school cross-country events and represented the school at regional inter-high competitions; and Kymarni Newton of Charlestown Secondary School, a record-breaking athlete who won bronze at the 2026 CARIFTA Games and set a new Under-18 Junior National Record, while also representing Nevis on the national Under-17 Football Team for three consecutive years.
Awards were presented by a panel of senior Nevisian government leaders, including Deputy Governor General Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, Deputy Premier the Honourable Eric Evelyn, Senior Minister the Honourable Spencer Brand, Minister of Education and Youth the Honourable Senator Troy Liburd, Minister of Social Development the Honourable Senator Jahnel Nisbett, and Special Advisor to the Premier the Honourable Latoya Jones.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Minister Nisbett emphasized the importance of the annual awards program, noting that selecting just 14 honorees each year is an increasingly challenging process, as growing numbers of Nevisian boys exceed community expectations.
“This activity annually is really to shine the light on not only the good but the excellent. And these fourteen young men are indeed excellent… It’s such a difficult decision annually because so many of our boys are really exceeding our expectations,” Minister Nisbett said, urging the awardees to continue serving as role models for their peers and upholding the values of the Boys of Excellence title.
Guest speaker Trevor Heron, a psychosocial therapist, addressed the honorees under the event’s theme “Boys to Men: Adopting Good Habits and Attitudes.” He encouraged the young men to lean on the supportive community around them, embrace Nevis’ strong core values, and remain intentional about pursuing their goals.
“You have the right people around you… What we love about Nevis is its values, and it will not compromise, and those values are going to build you and propel you to excellence. Be intentional. Your gifts are designed to make room for you… to position you. Your gift is going to open doors for you,” Heron said. “So young men, stay focused, be intentional in all you do and you will succeed.”
The annual ceremony was held in advance of the International Day of the Boy Child, observed globally on May 16, aligning the award celebration with international efforts to recognize the achievements and potential of young boys.