News

Clifton Hunter High School student, Trevor Carmola, Jr. was recognised by both the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Duchess of York at Child Month’s first event. The 14-year-old recipient was announced as the observance’s Child Month 2021 (High Schools) awardee during the opening church service on Sunday, 2 May 2021.

Given the month’s superhero theme: My C.A.P.E – Challenges are Passable for Everyone, attendees at Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) were surprised to learn that Trevor had actually saved a life in April 2021. The Clifton Hunter High School student had not only rushed into a burning house to rescue an elderly man but had promptly called 911.

Before receiving the award, a video message was shown from Duchess Sarah Ferguson congratulating the Lower Valley teenager on his heroism and his latest award.

Presented with a plaque and laptop, by Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Director Mrs. Paulinda Mendoza-Williams, Trevor Carmola, Jr’s recognition was one of the highlights of the child-focused service.

In calling Trevor “an exceptional young man”, the Director qualified the statement with a glowing testimonial. The recipient’s impressive bio was read out to the congregation. Attendees included His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Martyn Roper; Deputy Governor, Hon. Franz Manderson; Premier, Hon. Wayne Panton and Minister for Financial Services & Commerce (FSC); and Investment, Innovation & Social Development (IISD), Hon. Andre Ebanks.

Minister for Health & Wellness, Hon. Sabrina Turner; Parliamentary Secretary (Social Development) Ms Heather Bodden; Parliamentary Secretary (Financial Services & Commerce) Mrs. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks; and IISD Chief Officer, Mr. Eric Bush also attended.

The honour roll student, who was the youngest ever Proud of Them recipient (Community and Academics) at just 11 years old, is a Cayman Islands Cadet Corps sergeant. He was also the Most Outstanding Overall Recruit and Most Outstanding Clifton Hunter High School Recruit (2018). In the following year, he was awarded the Cadet of the Year. On winning that accolade, he was chosen to greet and welcome the Duchess of York.

When not undertaking community work with the corps, Trevor plays the flute in the Cadet Band and sings for his school the Church of God Universal youth choir. He also attends the Red Bay Church of God (Holiness) Youth Group.

Other highlights of the service included remarks by Minister for Social Development, the Child Month Welcome address by DCFS Deputy Director Rayle Roberts and the “Let the Children Come” Matthew 19:13-15 sermon by visiting Pastor Kim Evans. The child-affirming event also included two baby dedications.

DCFS will present Samaya Ritch, 9, with Child Month’s first-ever (Primary Schools) award at its closing Child Month church service, in Cayman Brac on Saturday, 29 May 2021.

To see the Child Month calendar, visit https://bit.ly/3vEAiV2 today.