Monday, February 15 2010

“WINSIE Cuffie has done it again! Here is another masterpiece from a role-model youth who continues to amaze everyone with her versatile abilities and remarkable accomplishments.”

Those were the words of University of the West Indies lecturer and former Caricom diplomat, Courtney Phillips, at the launch of a book authored by the popular Gospel artiste, youth motivational coach and radio host.

The author hosts the popular drive-time music-and-motivation feature Winning With Winsie-Ann which is aired on a few radio stations, including ISAAC 98.1 fm. She has been recently appointed Youth Ambassador by the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and various Government Ministries, in collaboration with the National Aids Co-ordinating Committee (NACC) and the Voice of One Overcomers Club.

The book (which is accompanied by a DVD and CD, containing a sizeable chunk of its contents) is impressively done in all-gloss paper and full-colour. The launch, which was attended by various prominent personalities, was held at the main auditorium of Christ Castle, in Chaguanas.

There are a number of photographs throughout the book, highlighting some of the many outstanding accomplishments of the author, at local, regional and international levels. Other pictures are relevant to the inspirational and motivational materials of the contents.

Phillips said that he was particularly impacted by “the very insightful contents of the book and its reader-friendly layout”. “I especially like the section on ‘Imperatives for Success.’ It highlights and nicely defines very fundamental elements for success such as vision, character, servanthood, excellence, professionalism and maturity”, he exclaimed.

Phillips also expressed amazement that “such a great piece of work has come from someone who is only 17-year-old”.

The foreword to the book is done by well-known local author/poet Frank M. Porter, who himself has closely followed the life and work of Cuffie.

Porter writes in the foreword: “At a time when many nations seem to have given up hope on their young people, and a great number of youth appear to settle for mediocrity rather than excellence, Winning with Winsie-Ann, Run The Race To Win, is undoubtedly a bold intervention for meaningful hope and excellence from this gifted teenager.

“This publication will inevitably minister, and significantly so, to all persons who read this exemplary work – both youth and adults alike. Apart from much food for thought, in terms of solid inspiration and faith, adults will find tangible proof that if parents invest heavily in the lives of their children, with the necessary time, affection, love and resources (as the parents of this young author do) the results will be phenomenal”.

Medical doctor and General Overseer of Victory Christian Outreach International, David Ibeleme, remarked: “This is an absolutely superb work. Actually, the message “Run the Race to Win” is the most creative and innovative I have seen in my 26 years of ministry…The entire package is just phenomenal. Every youth, every parent, every teacher, every school and every home needs it. I have no doubt that the timeliness and relevance of this book is divinely ordered”. A large number of books has already been bought by schoolchildren and teachers. Arima high school teacher Laura Persad said she found the book “ideal for schoolchildren in these challenging times…The students certainly have a great practical success recipe from a proven role model. I commend the many students and their parents who are taking advantage of this opportunity for quality empowerment”. Principal of the Miracle Ministries Pentecostal High School (where the author is a Sixth Form student) Joy Griffith, said she was “absolutely proud about this latest accomplishment of an unusually gifted student. Winsie-Ann is clearly multi-gifted and has been excellent at both academic and non-academic pursuits all her life. Only an item such as a book can really capture the vast achievements of her young life, in a manner that will meaningfully benefit her peers and others”.