Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown Hosts RYLA 2025: Empowering Future Leaders

The Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown (RCAS) successfully hosted the 2025 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. The event, which brought together 90 Interactors from schools across Antigua & Barbuda, aimed to inspire and equip young leaders with the confidence, skills, and vision needed to excel in their communities and beyond.

Assistant Governor and Past President Jonah Ormond and RCAS President Khari Lewis opened the event, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to youth empowerment and community service.

The program featured an engaging lineup of speakers who delivered impactful sessions:

• Ms. Ingrid Daniel inspired participants to “Discover, Develop, and Dominate” their unique paths. Her session emphasized goal setting, learning from failure, and building supportive networks. A creative activity had Interactors drawing a tree to symbolize their aspirations, skills, traits, and accomplishments, fostering self-reflection and goal setting.

• Mrs. Paula Lee led a “Speak Up, Stand Out: The Art of Powerful Communication” session, which combined practical tips and interactive challenges. Teams unscrambled words under tight time constraints, learning the importance of collaboration and quick thinking. Participants practised essential communication skills, including confident introductions, clear language, and effective body language, showcasing noticeable improvements in a second round of presentations.

• Officers Manasseh Tonge and Denesha Jacobs from the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda presented the dangers of drug use and trafficking. Their informative session detailed the harmful effects of narcotics, smuggling methods, and the importance of making responsible, informed decisions. Interactors could view all the various types and forms of narcotics on display.

• Ms. Alaina Gomes, a Counselling Psychologist, gave insightful guidance on the challenges of social media addiction and the effect of cyberbullying on the mental and physical health of the youth.

The event welcomed participants from Interact Clubs from schools such as St. Joseph’s Academy, Christ the King High School, St. Anthony’s Secondary School, Antigua Girls’ High School, Antigua Grammar School, and Antigua State College. Through interactive discussions, team-building exercises, and self-assessments, RYLA 2025 created a platform for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.

RCAS would like to thank Frank B. Armstrong, Premier Beverages, Go 2 Enterprises, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, Joe Mikes, DJ Nez, Chaso Media, Takumi Media, and the Ministry of Sports. The Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown would also like to thank the Rotary Club of Antigua, Evangeline Allen, and Ato Kentish, for their ongoing collaborative efforts in making RYLA a success.