Eliesel Ramirez Dorsett, Wentworth Smithen win Nevis Youth Impact 12 awards 

Nevis: ELIESEL RAMIREZ – DORSETT and WENTWORTH SMITHEN secured the Nevis Youth Impact 12 award in the area of performing arts and youth in culinary arts, respectively. Department of Youth extended greetings to the new awardees. 

ELIESEL RAMIREZ: 

There is nothing “typical” about Eliesel. Not his talents, not his ability to overcome adversity, and certainly not his ability to lend a helping hand for the betterment of his community.

Eliesel Ramirez Dorsett was born on the 11th of January 1999. He migrated to Nevis from the Dominican Republic at the age of 2 and has since had to overcome many obstacles, including language and cultural barriers, to become the young man he is today. His life experiences have become a core motivator for thrusting Eliesel into the world of music.

Eliesel’s vocal finesse is heavily influenced by a multicultural melody of styles. Since the pre-adolescent discovery of his talent, he continues to be a prominent figure in his community and has partnered with several departments under the Nevis Island Administration (The Department of Youth, Nevis Cultural Development Foundation, Community Development and The Department of Gender Affairs) to perform at a plethora of diplomatic affairs and national festivals. 

Some of which include:

• Nevis Blues Festival
• Vision 2021 & 2022
• St Kitts Gospel Music Festival
• Shekinah Dance Theatre Dance Recital
• Rhythms Dance Theatre Dance Recital
• Nevis Gospel Song & Dance Explosion
• Several Anti- Bullying & HIV awareness campaigns
• Department of Gender Affairs- Gender Based Violence Awareness Programs.

Crime prevention Projects. – M.A.C.A.V- Music Against Crime & Violence.

Nevis Culturama Festival (Senior/Junior Calypso, Talented Teens Pageant, Soca Monarch competition). 

He has also performed alongside musical legends such as Donnie McClurkin, Marvia Providence, Joel Murray (Positive), Samuel Medas, Dj Nicholas & Prodigal Son. He feels especially privileged to have been mentored by eminent musicians, namely Larry Dore, Carmella Lawrence, Venelle Powell, and Deslyn Williams. Through their expert guidance, Eliesel has already achieved significant laurels, which include the 25 Most Remarkable Teens Award in the “Music and Courage to Overcome” category and the consecutive winner of the 2019/2020 Gospel Song & Dance Explosion.

He is a multi-faceted individual. Aside from singing, Eliesel has recently developed a passion for playing the piano. He has enrolled in the Nevis Music Academy with Ruvidson Morton and intends to invest his time in voice training for youth. Eliesel sees himself as a product of two cultures, a sweet two-part harmony of Latin American and Nevisian heritage. He hopes his music and accomplishments inspire hope, pride, and joy in all he calls family.

 WENTWORTH SMITHEN – YOUTH IN CULINARY ARTS: 

At a very young age, while spending time with his grandmother, Wentworth became very fascinated with the art of cooking. He was never bored when the topic came up, and conversations were had about the many cookouts his great-grandmother, whom he had never met, his grandmother along with other women from the village, hosted, especially at Christmas time in a stone oven. Among the many delicacies were cakes, meats and every food related to that festive season.

This propelled Wentworth to develop a fervour for culinary arts and him wanting to be more involved with every and anything food related. This allowed him to be very strategic in selecting his subjects at secondary school level. He was the only male in his Food and Nutrition class in first form, but that did not deter him. As a matter of fact, it was quite the opposite since he was determined to break the stereotype that boys were expected to do woodwork and girls Food and Nutrition, especially in Form One.

After secondary school, where he gained passes in the eight ( CSEC subjects, he enrolled at Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College where he received an Associate degree in culinary arts. During his studies at the CFB College, he was offered a full-time job at the Park Hyatt as a Commis Chef. It was very difficult juggling school and work, but he persevered. As Faith would have put it, during that same time, he was given the opportunity to travel to Taiwan, where he got a certificate in Chinese Cooking. The decision was made to put both college and his job on hold during his time in Taiwan so that he could benefit from this exciting journey.

Wentworth worked at the Nevitalia Ristorante up until April 2023, when the Restaurant unfortunately closed. He currently works for the Nevis Island Administration, where he works in the cafeteria at the Charlestown Primary School.

Wentworth has been a continual volunteer for the Nevis Mango Fest since 2017. During this time, he was able to do food demonstrations and make sample dishes for the patrons. In 2020, he was adjudged winner of the Mango Fest Chefs Competition. Wentworth also volunteers for the Agriculture Fair food demonstration session. For the 2023 Interprimary Schools Championship, he was selected to express his art form by preparing some delectable dishes which were thoroughly enjoyed by the benefactors.

Cooking is in Wentworth’s DNA. His love for cooking and creating exquisite foods and drinks is the drive that keeps him focused on his dream of becoming an Executive Chef.