MORE than 60 nominees have been shortlisted for the 2017 Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence, which is set for December 6 at Jamaica House after a three-year hiatus.

In a release from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information yesterday, state minister with responsibility for youth Floyd Green is quoted as saying: “Empowering youth by honouring their achievements sends an important signal that the Government acknowledges their significant contribution to the creation of a better Jamaica.”

“The Government recognises that youth operate and excel in a diverse set of areas, and it is for that reason, we have expanded our categories to reflect emerging sectors,” Green said.

This year, the release said, there are five shortlisted nominees in the new category of ‘Innovation in Science and Technology’, two nominees in the added segment of ‘Social Enterprises’ in the ‘Entrepreneurship’ category, and four shortlisted nominees in the new ‘Environmental Protection’ category.

The shortlisted nominees also include youth faces in the areas of ‘Sports and Leadership’, ‘Youth Development’, ‘International Achievement’, ‘Academics’, ‘Arts and Culture’ and ‘Journalism’, the release said. The release said there is only one shortlisted nominee in the category of ‘Agriculture’, so it has been noted that additional encouragement and work is needed in this area.

“Emphasis is also being placed on youth who have displayed continuous outstanding and committed voluntary service in various communities across the country through leadership and mentorship despite the odds,” education Minister Senator Ruel Reid commented in reference to 55 youth who will be specially awarded as part of the ongoing Jamaica 55 celebrations this year.

“The Government is committed to the work of these 55 young persons, that upon being awarded, they will be eligible to access grant funding from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information for select youth development projects that they have embarked on,” Reid continued.

Introduced in 1998, the release said the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence was conceptualised to recognise young Jamaicans between the ages of 15-29 who have excelled and contributed to national development in various areas.

Since its inception, 165 awards have been conferred, the release said.