honoured by US President Mr. George Bush for his "outstanding record of community service'' in the United States.

Mr. Watson, son of Mrs. Eula Watson-Stewart, is the executive director of The National Black Youth Leadership Council (NBYLC) in New York.

A former secondary school drop-out, Mr. Watson later overcame the odds and now works with America's inner-city youth.

He has also become a recognised authority on youth leadership and development.

As executive director of the NBYLC, the former Robert Crawford School For Boys student has "motivated and inspired over 3.5 million youth throughout America'' with his seminars and workshops on Leadership, Responsibility and Success at high schools, colleges, universities, youth centres, prisons, drug rehabilitation centres and churches, a NBYLC statement said.

The US media and educators have hailed Mr. Watson as "a cross between Jesse Jackson and Bill Cosby for his upbeat, positive, and humorous message''.

President Bush, in a tribute to Mr. Watson, commended him for his contribution to America's youth and "for helping to sustain our national tradition of neighbour-helping-neighbour and for making a positive difference in the life of our community''.

In a letter sent from the White House on July 21, President Bush said: "Word has reached me that you have established an outstanding record of community service. I congratulate you on your achievements.

"Some of the most important values on which our nation was founded are duty, commitment, acceptance of personal responsibility, and respect for every individual -- a respect that is expressed through direct or consequential action.

"Efforts such as yours show that these values are still embedded in the American character...

"Barbara joins me in wishing you every success as you continue to set a fine example for your friends and neighbours.''