KIVON Emanuel Scipio, the 14-year-old teen who died the evening before he was slated to perform at Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary flag- raising ceremony was on Wednesday honoured at a funeral service. Family, friends and classmates of the late Scipio congregated at the Jesus Deliverance Mission, Thomas and Alexander Streets, Kitty, to acknowledge the achievements of the young man, who was described as one leading a “meaningful life.”

Multi-talented, the 14 -year-old was actively involved in sports, music and drama at various levels. Many had described him as a lover of football, swimming, cricket and the steelpan. He had represented his Alma Mata,the Richard Ishmael Secondary School, in football and he was also a part of the school’s drama club. Scipio was also a member of the Pan Wave Steel Orchestra and the Santos Football Club.
According to the Ministry of Education in a statement, all reports indicated that the young man would have been a good person, student, pannist and son who led a very disciplined, mannerly and meaningful life.
“He was considered to be a leader in his own right who ,at such an early age, despite his early departure would have given national service before and up to the time of his death” the statement said.
The ministry also extended its appreciation to Scipio’s parents, who allowed him the opportunity to play steelpan which was not only a pasttime activity, but complemented his education and thought him important lifeskills.
“We would want to commend his life for which he utilised his leisure time in meaningful pursuits. In this regard, the ministry would pledge to recognise him even as we move to expand the steelpan programme in schools and throughout the country,” the statement said.
And as his life was celebrated, the ministry’s department of culture, youth and sport and the Music School revealed that they will use his life and character to dedicate one of the prizes in the Pan-O-Rama in memory of him. Additionally, the ministry will be naming one of the camps in the Pan Minors Programme in his honour and a concert will also be held.
The funeral service was attended by Minister within the Ministry of Education, Department of Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry; Permanent Secretary, Alfred King and the Director of Sports, Christopher Jones.