NASSAU, The Bahamas – After serving 10 years as Executive Director of Junior Achievement (JA) Bahamas and over 26 years of service in the organisation at every level, the Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture and Junior Achievement recognised Lionel R. Sears-Elliott, Sr., on December 14, 2010, at a Recognition Luncheon at the British Colonial Hilton.
Among the accolades expressed for Mr. Elliott was a self-written message from the Governor-General of The Bahamas, Sir Arthur Foulkes, who praised Mr. Elliott for devoting his knowledge and talents to managing and training young people. Mr. Elliott returns to the Ministry of Tourism, after a 10-year secondment.
“Throughout his JA involvement, Mr. Elliott inspired others to unlock their potential and enriched not only the Bahamian community, but also that of Jamaica and the Turks and Caicos Islands,” Sir Arthur said in a message read at the ceremony and presented in a frame to Mr. Elliott.
Sir Arthur added that as the only Bahamian to serve at every level in JA, Mr. Elliott has committed his resources to executing the organisation’s vision to impact students throughout the islands of The Bahamas.
“He is a legend in a field that is fundamental to the economic and social development of our youth,” Sir Arthur said.
He added: “I commend Mr. Elliott for his stellar performance and trust that he will continue inspiring generations of young people and lending his vision and acumen to moulding the lives of this nation’s youth.”
Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Charles Maynard repeated Sir Arthur’s sentiments in his statement that spoke of the “outstanding contributions of an honourable public officer”.
“Mr. Lionel Roosevelt Sears-Elliott, Sr., was seconded to my ministry in 2000 with the distinguished responsibility to cater to the Executive Directorate of Junior Achievement,” Minister Maynard’s statement said.
“Since then, he has been a key component to the youth development agenda of my ministry and has always been respected as a key consultant to the development of new and innovative programme and projects.”
Minister Maynard added that Mr. Elliott leaves his ministry “honourably with his head held high, as he did when he entered our doors”.
“It is obvious that these tokens (at the Recognition Ceremony) cannot compare to the contributions he has made and, additionally, the joys experienced while working for and with the gems of our nation,” Minister Maynard said.
“Sir, on behalf of my ministry, the Government of The Bahamas and the people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I thank you and wish you every blessing and success in your new responsibilities.”
During his tenure at JA Bahamas, Mr. Elliott spearheaded the development of new Family Island programmes, new international academic scholarships partnerships, improved programme delivery, new corporate sponsorships, increased nationwide student participation and improved international relationships with JA Worldwide.
Mr. Elliott also worked in raising substantial funding for national operations, paid off long-outstanding debts and helped to develop world-class national conferences with international guest speakers.
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