"As Queen of Carnival 2010, I believe that it is my duty to initiate community projects and welfare programs which will positively impact the life of the youth of Antigua and Barbuda. Not only do I want to give back to the youth of Antigua and Barbuda, but I am interested in assisting them in finding a skill or talent that is theirs. One that they will be able to work on and develop for future aspirations – whether it be to enter competitions or just as a form of expression. I am also of the firm opinion that the youth of Antigua and Barbuda are talented but unfortunately, there are not enough resources available to them to assist in the development of their skills. This is the reason for establishing the GEM Foundation. This foundation is geared at bringing Growth, Empowerment and Motivation to the youth through a series of various programs. The first program will be the GEM Kids Performing Arts Workshop and this workshop will be free of cost."

In this workshop, the youth will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field of Dance, Drama, Modeling and Music which will include singing and learning to play the pan, saxophone and trumpet. The well-trained instructors consist of:

• Tyrone, Gene and June Mason — from the Oscar Mason Legacy
• Melissa Mcleish — from the movie Working Girl
• Shanice Sebastian — from Star St.Paul
• Stephen Gore — the winner of Star Antigua 2010,
• Anique Fredrick — from Strut Models
• Silvyn Farrell — from the Music Department of Culture
• Janyssa Humphreys — from the Pan Department of Culture

This workshop focuses on children between the ages of 6 to 18. It will commence on the 27^th of June 2011 and end on the 22^nd of July 2011. Classes begin at 9:00am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, at the University of the West Indies Open Campus, Factory Road, Antigua and Barbuda. Children involved MUST participate in all the scheduled classes and bring lunch, as well as a snack along with them daily. Schedules will be provided on the first day to allow parents to follow the progress of their children.

To register, please call (268)788–5916 and ask for more information about the GEM Kids Performing Arts Workshop.