Four Caribbean Youth Recognized as 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards Finalists

The Caribbean is brimming with pride as four exceptional young leaders have been selected as regional finalists for the esteemed 2025 Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work. This prestigious recognition highlights their remarkable contributions to innovation, climate action, and community development, showcasing the region’s vibrant pool of talent and leadership on the global stage. Joshua Andall from Grenada, Kache Hanna from The Bahamas, and Nicholas Kee and Romario Simpson from Jamaica represent a wave of Caribbean youth dedicated to positive change. Their selection as finalists underscores the significant impact young people are making worldwide in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Commonwealth Youth Awards serve as a platform to celebrate young visionaries who are catalysts for transformation in their communities. Chosen from a pool of over 800 applicants from across the 56 Commonwealth nations, these finalists represent the pinnacle of youth-led development initiatives. The rigorous selection process highlights the exceptional quality and impact of their work. The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, has commended these young leaders for their unwavering dedication and passion, emphasizing the immense potential of the 1.7 billion young people within the Commonwealth to create a fairer, more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future.

Each of the Caribbean finalists has carved a unique path in their respective fields. Joshua Andall champions community health and youth empowerment in Grenada, advocating for improved access to healthcare and creating opportunities for young people to thrive. Kache Hanna, an environmental conservationist and climate action champion from The Bahamas, is dedicated to protecting fragile ecosystems and raising awareness about the urgent need for climate action. From Jamaica, Nicholas Kee leverages technology for social good, developing innovative solutions to address societal challenges through his work as a tech innovator and social entrepreneur. Fellow Jamaican finalist, Romario Simpson, is a passionate advocate for youth development and social change, working tirelessly to empower young people and create a more equitable society.

These four individuals embody the spirit of innovation and dedication that the Commonwealth Youth Awards seek to recognize. Their projects demonstrate the power of youth to drive positive change at the local level while contributing to global development goals. They serve as inspiring role models for their peers and demonstrate the transformative potential of youth engagement in addressing critical issues facing our world. Their selection as finalists not only celebrates their individual achievements but also highlights the Caribbean’s commitment to nurturing and supporting the next generation of leaders.

The culmination of this prestigious award process will take place on March 12, 2025, at a special ceremony hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House in London. This event, part of the Commonwealth Day celebrations on March 10, 2025, will reveal the top regional winners and the highly anticipated Commonwealth Young Person of the Year. The recognition bestowed upon these exceptional individuals amplifies their voices and provides a global platform to showcase their impactful work. In addition to the regional and overall awards, five exceptional finalists will receive the PEACE Award presented by the Khalili Foundation, each receiving £2,000 to further their work in promoting peace and equality. This additional recognition underscores the importance of peacebuilding and equality as integral components of sustainable development.

The Caribbean’s representation among the finalists is a testament to the region’s investment in its youth and its commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and leadership. These young changemakers are not just shaping the future of the Caribbean; they are contributing to a global movement of youth-led development, demonstrating the power of young people to create a more just and sustainable world. Their stories are an inspiration, and their continued work promises a brighter future for the region and the world. As the awards ceremony approaches, the global spotlight shines brightly on these inspirational leaders, highlighting their dedication and the impact they are making in their communities and beyond. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within every young person to make a difference and contribute to a better tomorrow.