Nineteen young Jamaicans, who have made outstanding contribution in various areas, were presented with the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence, during a ceremony held on Saturday (February 4) on the lawns of Jamaica House.  

Awards were presented in the categories of academics, youth development, sports, journalism/e-journalism, nation-building, music, national leadership, innovation science/technology, arts and culture, agriculture and agro-processing, entrepreneurship/social entrepreneurship, and environmental protection. 

Among the award recipients are Justin Paul Williams in the category of arts and culture; Zaneta Alveranga and Jaden Shaw for sports; Alexander Shaw for nation building; and Alexander Rhys Greenland for environmental protection. 

The Prime Minister’s Special Award for Excellence was presented to World U-20 triple jump champion Jaydon Hibbert.  

In his remarks, Prime Minister Andrew Holness congratulated the recipients as well as those shortlisted and encouraged them to continue the excellent work in their various fields of endeavour. A total of 57 people and three youth groups were shortlisted.

“These national awards are important in a world where negative news is so abundant, where the things that go viral are usually the negative things. Tonight, we want you to go viral because you have achieved great things, not just for yourself but for your country.  We want your recognition to serve as motivation, encouragement and inspiration for others to pursue excellence in their chosen field,” he said. 

He urged them to be beacons of light to their peers and friends, to mentor and inspire those who may not have decided to take the path of excellence.  

“Each of you is proof that one person can make a big difference but together, we can all guarantee change if we work together,” he added. 

Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams further encouraged the youths to continue to build, create, solve problems, and make this world a better place. 

“By your community activities and activism, you have shone the spotlight on the important work you do to articulate the concerns of young people and to engage in practical action that is making a positive impact on our wider society,” she said. 

The 2022 award ceremony was held under the theme ‘Reignited’. In addition to the award, cash prizes were also presented to recipients courtesy of Sagicor Group and HEART/NSTA Trust.  

Approximately 300 awards have been conferred on the nation’s youth since the inception of the programme in 1998. 

– Jamaica Information Service