By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Youth Ablaze Talent Explosion hosted by the Free National Movement Council’s Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield Celebration Committee was a success, attracting young people from throughout the island to showcase their talent.

FNM Deputy Leader K Peter Turnquest and Neko Grant, MP for Central Grand Bahama, presented the winners with their prizes and certificates on Saturday at FNM Headquarters.

The talent show was held on March 20, which is the birthday of Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield, the founder of the FNM.

Grand Bahama FNM Council Chairman David Thompson said Sir Cecil was a very special man whose legacy will live on as a result of his contribution to the nation and to the Bahamian people.

“He is a national hero and we held the talent show on the night of his birthday; it would have made him 85, and he would have been so proud of the talents displayed. I want to thank the organisers, C J Knowles and Pakesia Parker Edgecombe,” he said.

Mr Turnquest said he was very impressed with the performances.

“Our young people have tremendous talent that deserves to be recognised, supported, and exposed,” he said.

Also speaking, MP Neko Grant said the show provided an opportunity for young people to showcase their talent.

“It shows us that we are far from losing you as a generation. We are here to encourage you to go and do greater and better things,” he said.

Pakesia Edgecombe said the Youth Explosion event is held every year and prizes are awarded to participants.

This year, she said, there were two age categories, 12-17 and 18-25. The winners received lap tops, tablets and cash, while other participants received items such as memory cards, smart phones, cash and gift certificates to various restaurants.

The Tabernacle Baptist Academy and the Eight Mile Rock High School were among the educational institutions that entered students to participate. Those schools received keyboards to assist with their music departments.