Justice Mario Michel encouraged the new executive to be effective leaders in their various roles.

Students from tertiary and secondary schools in Saint Lucia elected a new National Students Council executive earlier this week.

The election was held at the Saint Lucia National Students Council Conference, at the National Cultural Centre. This year the event was held on Nov. 17, to commemorate International Students Day.

The conference commenced with an opening ceremony, graced by the presence of His Lordship Justice Mario Michel. His Lordship, a National Youth Council (NYC) stalwart, left students with encouraging remarks, urging them to break away from negative societal influences so that they can be effective leaders in their schools and within their communities.

The remainder of the conference featured presentations by the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) on climate change; and by Mr. Kirt Hosam on Effective Leadership. The presentations were followed by the routine executive report and small group sessions.

Soca artist, Teddyson John; the 2012 Saint Lucia Carnival Queen, Janelle Desir; the 2014 Gros Islet Carnival Queen, Racquel John; and NYC President, Ms. Louise Victor, were also in attendance. They delivered a clear message to the assembly which underscored the value of staying true to oneself.

The conference ended after General Assembly proceeded to elect a new executive for the year 2015-2016.

The new executive is as follows:

President – Ajani Lebourne (Sir Arthur Lewis Community College)

Vice President (Districts 1-4) -  Josiah Biscette (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School)

Vice President (Districts 5-8) – Ruth Noel (Piaye Secondary School)

General Secretary – Rochelle Emmanuel (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School)

Assistant Secretary – Sophie Klein (Vieux-Fort Comprehensive Secondary School)

Treasurer -  Shakeena Pascal (Castries Comprehensive Secondary School)

Public Relations Officer – Derrelle Du Bois (Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School)

All positions with the exception of Vice President (Districts 5-8) were tightly contested as students went all out to secure votes in the speed campaign round. The position of Vice President (Districts 5-8) went unopposed.

Second Vice President of the National Youth Council, Mr. Tevin Shepherd, along with Returning Officer, Ms. Kina Nicholas expressed their gratitude to all students who vied for positions on the executive and encouraged them to continue being dedicated to their roles on the councils in their schools.

Mr. Shepherd congratulated the new executive and accentuated his desire to work with the National Students Council by outlining his responsibility as 2nd Vice President to the NYC and pledging his full commitment to the development of the organization and the education system in Saint Lucia.