YOUNG HEROES AWARDED FOR BRAVERY

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Silence Manyaka and Demetri Browne, two students of the Ottos Comprehensive and Sunnydale Primary Schools respectively, yesterday received the Halo Hero Humanitarian Award during a brief ceremony held at Government House. The two boys were recognised for their valiant efforts , when they rescued two children from a fire in the Cashew Hill area on February 8, 2021.

His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, Governor General of Antigua & Barbuda and Patron of The Halo Foundation, charged the young men to continue on their path of selflessness and bravery. He commended their action of having risked their very own lives to save the lives of others.

The young men expressed their gratitude after being presented with the medals for bravery. Silence Manyaka noted, “I never expected to really meet the Governor General or get an award, but it makes me happy to receive it.” The parents of both boys shared that they were not shocked at all by their sons’ actions. Demetri Browne’s mother indicated that she, too, had rescued a friend from a fire a few years ago — a feat which emphasises the exemplary role that parents play in the character development of their children.

President of the Halo Foundation, Her Excellency Lady Williams commented: “Prior to today, there have been 15 awardees of the Halo Hero Humanitarian Award at the Secondary and Tertiary levels. This is the first time that an award has been bestowed upon a primary school student, and it is extremely encouraging to see such fearless commitment to service at such a tender age. If this type of positive action prevails, we can look forward to the strengthening of our nation by young people who are not only smart and highly skilled, but also kind and considerate.”

Photo attached:
Left to Right: Demitri Browne, H.E. Sir Rodney Williams, H.E. Lady Williams and Silence Manyaka at Government House today.