The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI) is set to honour Jamaica’s brightest young talents at the 2025 Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Jamaica House.
This year’s event embraces the theme: “Impact – Focused on Innovative Minds, Purposeful Action and Collective Triumphs.”
Recognized as Jamaica’s premier national accolade for youth achievement, the Awards will spotlight 88 exceptional nominees from diverse fields. Notably, this year introduces new categories for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Special Abilities, reflecting the Government’s commitment to expanding opportunities for all young Jamaicans.
Senator Dr. the Honourable Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, expressed her enthusiasm ahead of the ceremony: “I am always ready to support and celebrate our young people. I am pleased to see the calibre of innovation, creativity, and excellence being recognised at this year’s Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence. This year is especially meaningful as we introduce two new categories—Technical and Vocational Training (TVET), and the Special Abilities Award. These additions reflect this Government’s deliberate thrust to create real opportunities for all our young people.”
Minister Dixon further emphasized the Ministry’s strong investment in TVET through the HEART/NSTA Trust as a proven path to jobs and economic empowerment. She also highlighted the increased focus on youth with special needs, acknowledging their resilience and leadership. “We see you, believe in you and celebrate you,” she added.
Dr. Kasan Troupe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reaffirmed the commitment to youth empowerment through education and opportunity. She noted the Ministry’s transformation agenda aimed at expanding diverse pathways for young people to shape their futures. “The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards stand as a powerful symbol of the Ministry’s commitment to always celebrate those who seize opportunity while inspiring others to rise to their fullest potential,” Dr. Troupe said.
This year’s awards also mark the 25th anniversary of the Youth and Adolescents Policy Division (formerly the National Centre for Youth Development), which has been pivotal in empowering Jamaicans aged 15-29 through strategic programming and public-private partnerships.
Senior Director (Acting) Yanique Williams, a key figure in the Division’s history, described the Awards as a celebration of youth impact and transformative leadership: “The Prime Minister’s Youth Awards are a testament to what becomes possible when our young people are empowered to lead from the front and build the future we all want to see.”
Prime Minister Dr. The Most Honourable Andrew Holness is expected to personally present a special award to a nominee whose achievements exemplify exceptional courage, vision, and impact over the past year.
The Awards ceremony will be livestreamed on the Prime Minister’s and Jamaica Information Service’s social media channels, showcasing excellence across categories such as Academics, Agriculture, Arts and Culture, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Protection, Science and Technology, Journalism, New Media, Music, Nation-Building, Leadership, Special Abilities, TVET, Sports, and Youth Development—accompanied by engaging entertainment performances.
As Jamaica continues to invest in its young people, the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards remain a beacon celebrating innovation, dedication, and the promising future of the nation.
