Minister offers condolences following death of Provincial Youth Advisory Council member

Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education Minister Anna Thistle expresses her deepest sympathies to the family of the late Trent Wyatt, 22, of Nain. Mr. Wyatt, a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Youth Advisory Committee, was tragically killed in a snowmobile/motor vehicle accident on Sunday, February 23, in the new Innu community of Natuashish.

"Mr. Wyatt was dedicated to promoting youth and youth services, programs and policies in this province," said Minister Thistle. "He was an extremely dynamic individual, whose intelligence, talents and enthusiasm will be sadly missed."

Mr. Wyatt worked as a regional field worker for Smart Labrador, a project that seeks to bring information and communications technology opportunities to Labrador communities. In his spare time, he was the lead singer for Sundog, a music group in Nain. He was a former director with the Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador�s Youth (FINALY!), and an avid ambassador for the untamed beauty of Labrador. He was also actively involved in the Canada World Youth Exchange Program.

"Trent recognized the ever-increasing problems that youth face today and worked hard to help improve the lives of as many youth as possible," said Ted Laurentius of St. John�s, a fellow member of the Youth Advisory Committee. "His determination and passion for youth was reflected in his commitment to the committee and the many other youth organizations he was involved in. Trent�s participation on the Youth Advisory Committee has been a valuable growth experience for us all. His devotion, leadership, energy and experience, motivated us and will continue to inspire all those who knew him. Trent will never be forgotten."

Media contact: Kathy Dicks-Peyton, Communications, (709) 729-6573.

2003 02 25                                       3:50 p.m.