Nominate Now: 2025 National Youth Awards Celebrate Barbadian Youth Making A Difference!

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment is once again shining a spotlight on Barbados’ most inspiring young citizens with the return of the National Youth Awards 2025. From entrepreneurial excellence to environmental innovation, this year’s awards honour young Barbadians who are shaping the future through service, talent, and determination.

The call for nominations is now open and closes May 23, 2025. Nominators are urged to act swiftly to ensure deserving individuals and groups receive national recognition for their outstanding contributions to society.

Eligibility Reminder:
Nominees must be Barbadian citizens aged 16 to 35 by May 13, 2025, unless otherwise stated (e.g., Colin Hudson Award – Junior Category for under 16s). Members of staff or immediate family of the Ministry or its statutory bodies are ineligible.

Award Categories & Criteria:

The Phoenix Award 🌟
Award Focus: Individual | Community/Social Impact

  • A clearly defined cause or project that addresses a specific social, economic or community-based issue.
  • A clear description of the cause/project’s purpose, objectives and intended impact must be provided.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s), along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Details of the individual’s contribution, including activity(s), times, dates and length of involvement in the cause/project, etc.
  • The degree to which the individual demonstrates their passion for the cause or project (i.e. participation in community or youth activities and programmes, relationship with peers, collaboration with groups/individuals).
  • The degree to which the individual’s actions have resulted in other persons’ commitment and contribution to the project/cause and its successful outcomes.
  • Submission of pictures, video clips and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Conrad Hunte Award 🏏
Award Focus: Individual | Sports

  • Commits to the development of sports and the sporting talent of individuals/groups.
  • Demonstrates how the sport has been utilised as a personal development tool to influence the individual’s character, education or career path.
  • Utilises sports as a motivational tool in community development.
  • Shows a clear vision of how sports can develop the talents of individuals/groups in the community.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, participants, community leaders, etc.
  • The nominee must be and willing to be interviewed.

The Ficus Award 🌱
Award Focus: Group | Community Service (less than 10 years active)

  • Actively involved in community service without monetary reward.
  • Developed and implemented social impact initiatives/programmes for individuals, groups and/or communities.
  • Participated in/contributed to volunteer activities leading to the physical/social development of the community and in partnership with stakeholders/organisations.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • A representative of the organisation must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Kerryann Ifill Award ♿
Award Focus: Individual | Persons with Disabilities

  • Barbadian with a disability
  • Demonstrated  success/excellence in a cause/project in education, community service, employment, sports; visual and performing arts, science and innovation or any other area of competence.
  • Demonstrated evidence of activities that encouraged/facilitated the integration of persons with disabilities into society.
  • Actively involved/participated in the creation of a greater public awareness of persons living with disabilities.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/ caregivers, teachers, students or participants etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Hope Award 🏫
Award Focus: Group | Secondary School Organisations

  • Must have a sustainable, school-based programme that raises awareness on a key issue(s) relevant to the school community.
  • The organisation must have a clear mission, defined objectives and structured activities that align with its purpose.
  • Has a well-conceptualised and organised programme of activities.
  • Demonstrates a strong commitment to the personal development of its members.
  • Actively participates in fundraising and other school initiatives, including resource development, promotion, and support.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • A representative of the organisation must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Colin Hudson Award 🔬
Award Focus: Individual | Science and Technology for Junior (under 16) & Senior (16+)

  • Students must be enrolled in a secondary school or tertiary institution in Barbados.
  • Students must show the use of raw/natural materials in their work or the adaptation of existing mechanisms/products to produce usable items/devices.
  • The product or device must be functional/practical and/or must have potential for further development.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Bambusa Award (Bambusa Vulgaris – Bamboo) 💼
Award Focus: Individual | Entrepreneurship

  • Demonstrates enterprising approaches and creative use of resources in the creation and sustainability of a business.
  • Participates in personal and entrepreneurial development programmes to ensure continued growth as an entrepreneur.
  • Contributes to the socio-economic development of the community, whether through job creation, skill-building or mentorship and by extension, the country.
  • Has shown innovation and good decision-making to ensure sustainability by seeking to intentionally engage in product development and diversification.
  • Has a sound marketing plan and proven track record of growth with positive projections for the upcoming year.
  • A presentation of financial statements for the last financial year would be an asset to demonstrate use of internal structures and tracking of financial performance.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Banyan Award (Ficus Benghalensis) 🧘
Award Focus: Individual | Health & Wellness

  • Has implemented a clearly defined cause/project to address health and wellness at community/national level.
  • Demonstrates a high level of consistency and commitment while implementing activities that promote well-being, mental health and engagement at work, school, faith-based institutions or the community etc.
  • Demonstrates passion for the cause (how they live their life, participation in community/youth activities and programmes, relationship with peers, collaboration with groups/individuals).
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Baobab Award 🎭
Award Focus: Individual | Performing Arts (Theatre Arts, Music, Dance)

  • Actively involved in or an associate member of a culture-based organisation.
  • Shows a clear commitment to the art form and personal ongoing development and training in their discipline.
  • Developed/participated in community and/or national productions.
  • Shows/promotes Barbadian culture in their work.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, colleagues, community leaders, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Calabash Award 🎨
Award Focus: Individual | Visual Arts

  • Actively involved in or an associate member of a culture-based organisation.
  • Shows a clear commitment to the art form, continued personal development and training in specific discipline(s).
  • Developed/participated in community and/or national productions.
  • Shows/promotes Barbadian culture in their work/display.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, colleagues, community leaders, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Canewood Award 🌾
Award Focus: Individual | Agriculture/Horticulture/Environment/Agro-processing

  • Has identified a significant cause/project/environmental challenge
  • Works collaboratively within their community to enhance food security and livelihoods.
  • Identified an environmental challenge or problem and created a novel approach to the challenge or problem utilising existing technology in unique and innovative ways.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, colleagues, community leaders, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Sandbox Award 📲
Award Focus: Individual | Media & Public Awareness (Social Media Platform)

  • Uses social media to engage and inform the public on social issues/causes.
  • Actively use media to share content that promotes youth-related matters consistently.
  • Creation/dissemination of content that promotes youth empowerment and youth participation in youth development spaces.
  • Provides evidence of impact, such as increased awareness, participation or positive changes in behaviour due to the social media initiatives.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc. (Screenshots of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc., including dates posted).
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

The Silk Cotton Award 🌍
Award Focus: Individual | Climate Change & Sustainable Development

  • Championed the causes of sustainable development and climate change through a project in Barbados that addresses climate change mitigation or adaptation.
  • Must provide evidence of how the project has benefitted/impacted the lives of people in the community.
  • Must demonstrate the extent to which the project is scalable and/or replicable with the potential for long-term transformational change.
  • Must demonstrate the extent to which the project delivers verifiable social and environmental benefits.
  • Must have a clearly identified target group/beneficiary(s) along with an explanation of the measurable benefits and impact the project has on the lives of the target group.
  • Submission of pictures, video clip(s) and other relevant documentation highlighting/showcasing work, as well as supporting testimonials/references from recipients, parents/caregivers, teachers, students, participants, etc.
  • The nominee must be prepared and willing to be interviewed.

Documentation Requirements:

Each nomination must include photos, videos, and references from beneficiaries, educators, or community leaders to showcase the nominee’s work and impact. All nominees must be willing to be interviewed.

Nominate Today!

Help us celebrate the next generation of leaders, creators and changemakers. Tap here to fill out and submit the nomination form directly. Stay tuned for updates by following us on Instagram @divyouth246 or Facebook at Division of Youth Affairs.

Don’t miss the chance to highlight the youth powering Barbados’ progress. Submit your nomination before May 23, 2025!

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