People’s Award recognizes Elaine Samuel as ‘Media Woman of the Year 2022’ and honours memory of Nurse Cynthia Byers

Alister Thomas, host of “The Caribbean into the 21st Century,” has named Elaine Samuel, a retired civil servant and well-known talk-show contributor, as the programme’s “Media Woman of the Year 2022.”

Thomas launched what will be an annual honour – the “State of Antigua & Barbuda People’s Award” – on ZDK Radio on Saturday morning, December 17, during his long-running socio-political programme.

This year, Thomas notes, two awards were granted in honour of two of the Nation’s most distinguished citizens: Samuel and the late Nurse Cynthia “Love” Byers, a distinguished medical practitioner who fell victim to the COVID-19 virus last year.

He adds that he sought and received “a wide-as-possible citizenry consensus” to identify these two noble individuals.

“These two women have, in their own dedicated and distinguished way, etched an indelible mark on the soul of the Nation – on the landscape of patriotism and on the present and future generations,” Thomas explains.

Accordingly, he says, it is a real honour and privilege, on behalf of his programme, to present these awards “in what will become an annual life celebration of achievement/service/and selflessness.” 

The radio host says that while many citizens may be honoured in other forums, there are others – even more deserving – that are not being recognized or honoured for their exemplary contributions.

Therefore, he says, this initiative “is a way to celebrate other outstanding citizens, with the ultimate intention and hope to inspire and motivate the young generation.  We are saying to the youth, always aspire for the highest ideals, and give your best in all your endeavours.”

The awards were accepted, in studio, by a son of each honoree.