The Earl of Wessex, Prince Edward, is scheduled to visit Jamaica on Monday, February 2, to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award ceremony set for King's House.

He will be attending in his capacity as international trustee of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association.

The programme, which operates in 127 countries, is aimed at self-development and caters to persons between 14 and 25 years old. The concept is designed to support young people to develop into responsible and active citizens. Prince Edward will present awards to 21 Jamaicans.

New talents

According to the regional director for the awards in the Americas, David Clarke, the association is proud to salute Jamaicans in the programme. "They have hiked, they have served the community, they have developed new talents and they have worked to become healthier and fitter through sports participation. But most of all they have learned to work with their peers and become more motivated and community-conscious young people," said Clarke.

While on the island, the duke will be laying a wreath at National Heroes Park and attend the opening of the Bustamante Museum in St Andrew. His visit will culminate with a private fund-raising dinner hosted by the chairman of the award's board of trustees, hotelier John Issa.