Twenty-five young leaders received recognition at the 2025 National Youth Awards on November 29. The event was held at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus.

National Youth Delegate Donte Walter and educator Anique Adams hosted the ceremony. In addition, presentations came from All Saints Secondary School, Wendy Ferris, Keiven Cox, and The Queen’s Klass.

Sixteen awardees earned National Youth Awards. They include Oret Mickle (Young Media Practitioner), Sasha Middleton (Young Environmentalist), Michelle-Lee Williams (Prime Minister’s EDP Award), and Junella King (Young Pioneer).

Others honoured included Maurisha Potter (Culture & Performing Arts), Michael Joseph (Agriculture), Joshuanette Francis (Humanitarian), Tyra Fenton (Young Sportswoman), and Jewel Andrew (Young Sportsman).

Masadie Isaac (Tourism), Mathio Nedd (Young Artisan), Jeri-Anne Baltimore (Culinary Arts), Jahkaydah Isaac (Culinary Arts), Jasmine Greenaway (Top Grade Six Student), Kaylei John-Baptiste (Top CSEC Student), and Kelsey Cochrane (Student Researcher of the Year) also received awards.

Nine former National and CARICOM Youth Ambassadors received Ambassadorial Awards. They include Esquire Henry, Pia Nichols, Chrysean Jarvis, Alisha Clue, Janet Simon, Shaquan O’Neil, Jahmaal Frederick, Ezekiel Francois, and Kerron McKenzie.

Governor General Sir Rodney Williams attended the event. Senators Michael Freeland and Michael Joseph, Permanent Secretaries Sarah Stuart, Rosa Greenaway, and Sharolyn Matthews, and Director of Youth Affairs Dr. Jrucilla Samuel also participated.

Additionally, Ian Ireland, Dale O’Brien, Fitzroy Warner, Kadian Camacho, and environmental advocate Kendra Beazer joined the audience. Many young people from local youth organizations attended as well.

Dr. Samuel said, “The awards honour those often far from the spotlight, but never from the work.” She praised nominees for their dedication and consistent effort.

Beazer encouraged youth leaders to serve others. She said, “Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about showing up, using your voice, and uplifting others, even against the odds.”

Senator Freeland motivated awardees to aim higher. He emphasized youth as innovators and problem-solvers. He added that Caribbean youth can create meaningful change.

This year’s awards followed the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams.” The theme celebrates youth service, talent, and dedication to improving communities across the Caribbean.

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