The Inaugural Youth Excellence Awards

Award: Most Outstanding Youth in TVET

Award Description: This award recognises an individual who sees the power in the learning a skill and is passionate about being self-sustainable.

 

Mr. Xavier Stapleton is a skilled and versatile culinary professional with over five years of experience in the culinary industry, both in Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Xavier is proficient in various cuisines, including French, Italian, Asian, Indian, and Caribbean and is currently a private villa chef at Fisher House on Mustique. His expertise spans menu planning, recipe development, and food safety practices, and he has honed his skills in notable establishments such as Ristorante Amano in Canada and Bequia Beach Hotel. Xavier held positions as Sous Chef, Private Yacht Chef, and Head Chef, demonstrating strong leadership, kitchen management, and team training abilities. He is dedicated to sustainability and cost efficiency, incorporating seasonal ingredients and modern culinary techniques into his dishes. Xavier’s culinary education includes studies at Nova Scotia Community College and St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Known for his commitment to quality and creativity, he also leverages social media to promote his culinary brand and engage a wider audience.

Mr. Xavier Stapleton
Age: 25 Address: Sion Hill

Ms. Roxanne Edwards is a dedicated culinary professional and community advocate, with a strong background in food preparation and service. Currently managing the tuck shop at Petit Bordel Secondary School, Roxanne is responsible for providing nutritious meals for students, teachers, and the local community. She has also catered for events across the North Leeward area, including funerals, weddings, and sports events. Roxanne served as a cook at the Chateaubelair Health Center, where she prepared meals for in-patients, and at Mandarin Resort Canouan, assisting in guest meal preparation. With a CVQ Certificate in Commercial Food Preparation and a commitment to uplifting her community, Roxanne is passionate about using her skills to support the less fortunate, often providing meals and care for the elderly during the holidays, all driven by her resilient background and deep empathy for those facing challenges similar to her own.

Ms. Roxanne Edwards
Age: 35 Address: Petit Bordel

Akeelah is a restaurant manager at the Sandals Resort, St. Vincent. Her dream is to one day become an Executive Chef and Professional Food and Beverage Trainer having completed her MSc. In Business Management and a BSc. in culinary arts. She was a part of the Food and Beverage management graduating class in 2022 from the SVGCC, DTVE. In the year 2023 she worked at the Caribbean Lifestyles Company and subsequent to that she worked at the Keegan's Beach Resort as a receptionist. After that occupation she left and was employed by the Sandals Resort where she is currently, happily employed.

Ms. Akeelah Rhynd
Age: 22 Address: Layou

Ms. Asha Joseph is a skilled beauty professional and educator with expertise in braiding, loc installation, and a range of cosmetology services. As the owner of Melia’s Beauty Bar, Asha combines entrepreneurial skills with hands-on experience in beauty services, including professional braiding, handmade loc creation, barbering, and makeup artistry. In 2023, she privately trained eight individuals in loc installation techniques and completed advanced courses in both makeup and professional braiding. Asha also has experience in technical education, having taught electrical wiring (Level 1) at the Georgetown Technical Institute. Her educational background includes studies in Electrical Engineering and Technology at SVGCC DTVE. Known for her versatility and commitment to skill development, Asha is passionate about empowering others to pursue careers in beauty and cosmetology.

Ms. Asha Joseph
Age: 29 Address: Langley Park

Mr. Adrian Primus is a skilled culinary professional, with experience in high-demand kitchen environments and a background in customer service and inventory management. Currently working as a cook at Sandals St. Vincent, Adrian excels in food preparation, presentation, and team coordination. His prior experience includes roles as a kitchen assistant at Grenadines House and a sales associate at Connell and Family Wholesale and Retail, where he developed strong skills in customer relations and inventory handling. Adrian holds CVQ Level 1 and 2 certificates in Commercial Food Preparation and Cookery from Barrouallie Technical Institute, along with an Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Repairs and Technology from St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College. Known for his attention to quality, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and compliance with food safety standards, Adrian is well-suited for dynamic culinary roles that value reliability and strong teamwork. 

Mr. Adrian Primus
Age: 23 Address: Barrouallie

Ms. Tavia Richards is a skilled electrical technician from Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with extensive experience in electrical installation and data operations. Currently self-employed through her business, Railiable Electrical Services, Tavia has previously worked with reputable firms such as Brando’s Electrical Electronics Services in Canouan and All Electric in St. Vincent, gaining hands-on experience across residential and commercial projects.

Ms. Tavia Richards
Age: 31 Address:  Barrouallie

Mr. Kenneil Baker is an experienced housekeeping and hospitality professional. Currently serving as a housekeeper at The Cotton House in Mustique, Kenneil has a strong background in various roles within the hospitality sector, including positions as a receptionist, accounting assistant, and HR assistant at Ottley Hall Marina & Shipyard. His previous experience includes work as a live-in caretaker, home help aide with Depend Health Care Service, and housekeeper at Prestige Express Solutions. Kenneil holds a CVQ Level 1 certification in Housekeeping from Barrouallie Technical Institute and has a solid educational foundation with six CXC passes from St. Joseph’s Convent in Kingstown. Known for his attention to detail, reliability, and customer service skills, Kenneil is committed to delivering high-quality care and support in residential and hospitality settings.

Ms. Kenniel Baker
Age: 32 Address: Questelles

To sign up to vote click the following link: https://strawpoll.com/signup/