Civilian Conservation Corps crowns Emancipation king, queen

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) held its Emancipation King and Queen Competition on July 26 at the Government Campus Plaza in Port of Spain.

Trainees of the South Central Region Devin Edwards and Nicole Williams won first place. Second place was awarded to Johnathan Roberts and Jada Patron of the North West Region. Messiah Metivier and Jullicia Charles of the North East Region took third place.

A media release said, having an Emancipation King and Queen competition within the corps is vital for celebrating cultural heritage and promoting historical awareness among young people. This event fosters a sense of pride and identity by honouring the legacy of emancipation and the struggle for freedom.

Participants gain confidence and leadership skills as they engage in public speaking and cultural presentations. Additionally, the competition encourages youth to learn about their history, instilling values of resilience and perseverance. Overall, it unites the community, inspires future generations, and reinforces the significance of emancipation in shaping a more just and inclusive society.

All eight regions of the corps participated, each region’s king and queen represented an African country where they competed in three different categories, talent, formal wear and onstage questions, the release said.

The judging panel consisted of Empress Iye Aje Allison Bernard (chief judge), Christine Ramirez-Moore and Clyde Charles.

Present at the competition was the permanent secretary, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service Narine Charran, acting commanding officer TT Defence Force Reserves, programme director, Specialised Youth Service Programme and CCC Major David Benjamin, national service manager of the Ministry of Youth Development and National Service Gachelle Gilkes-Edwards, programme coordinator of the CCC Lieutenant (Naval) Curt Jones, and programme coordinator, Youth Agriculture Shadehouse Programme, Ministry of Youth Development and National Service Kwasi Robinson.