By Marinella Glasgow

YOUTH Congress 2017, held on Oct 27-29 was a spirit-filled weekend under the theme, “SERVE”. It began with a consecration service on Friday evening at the Olivet Seventh-day Adventist Church. The service entailed a youth forum where persons were able to express their thoughts and share suggestions for the effective leadership for the New Year; thereafter receiving a spirit-filled message which was delivered by Pastors Rodwell Anderson.

At the youth convention, leaders of the various youth federations were given the opportunity to relate the work that they have been engaged in throughout the past months of the year. All federations pledged to do their best in serving the Lord in the upcoming year. The message was proclaimed with power by the Youth Director of the Caribbean Union Conference (CUC), Pastor Anthony Hall. The message was heart-touching and thus many persons surrendered to be servants of God at the time of commitment. This event was held at the Jubilee Park.

The afternoon’s programme was altered from the regular parade around Georgetown. Instead, the Youth Bands took to the streets in the afternoon on a distribution of hampers to less fortunate communities within Georgetown. Four communities were visited: Albouystown, Durban Backlands-Lodge, Leopold Street, Werk-n-Rust and Laing Avenue. The cool evening captured an exciting night of six-overs cricket matches at the DCC Ground, where the teams rivaled each other to obtain the top position.
To bring the curtains down on Sunday, the signature of Youth Adventism: The Ashton Alleyne Memorial Youth Athletics Championships, was held at the Georgetown Cricket Club (GCC), Bourda, where 19 federations grouped into eight zones, battled to see who would be proclaimed “Champions of the Year.” The day was met with great joy as a sea of people came dressed in magnificent colors to support their federations amidst the inclement weather pattern.

The atmosphere was most exhilarating as the Mercury Pathfinder Marching Band and Salcah Drum Corp captivated the spectators by their rhythmic beats. Many spectators hurried to the food court as the aroma of the delicacies tickled their noses. The spectators were also entertained by the commentator, Mr. Horaytious Demattos, and the sounds of the rhythmic music by the Quiet Storm Sound System.
When asked about the event, one spectator proudly stated, “I’m proud to be a Seventh-Day Adventist. It’s great to have this opportunity to have fun with the youth from across Guyana, and I will continue to support the youth ministry and the great work that they are doing.”

One athlete, Alwyn Prince, related “It’s a great opportunity where the youth like myself can showcase their talents. We don’t have to wait for inter-schools but we can enjoy ourselves because of this occasion.”
The loud shrieks were heard as the athletes strived to be first to cross the finishing line. Different age groups all sought the opportunity to be champions of their category and to receive the medals and trophies.

The races were paused as the march pass took place. The athletes of the various federations marched around the ground to make a statement of their presence. The scenery was most delightful as cheerleaders and members of the drum corps accompanied the dedicated athletes. They were judged by a panel of judges who were mesmerised by the various performances. Several members also gave brief remarks at the event.
The day resumed as the athletes continued to strive for the prize. The sun went down as the relays were run. Spectators rose to their feet as the mature athletes galloped across the finish line.

The day culminated on a high note. Many persons left with great expectations to be a part of the Inaugural Caribbean Union Championship at the National Stadium in 2018.