KINGSTON, Jamaica – Ahead of Saturday’s staging of the annual Prime Minister Youth Awards, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has expressed pride in this year’s batch of shortlisted young Jamaicans. In a release on Thursday, Holness said that with the PM Youth Awards having been established to recognise outstanding work from the country’s youngest and brightest, he is overjoyed at their accomplishments.

“I am immensely proud of the achievements of Jamaica’s youth. Their passion, creativity, and resilience are driving forces behind our nation’s progress. The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence provides a platform to showcase their talents and inspire future generations,” he said.

Fayval Williams, Minister of Education and Youth, said the awards is a “a beacon of inspiration for our nation’s youth” and that it continues to be a “testament to their remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to excellence in their respective fields.”

“We commend their outstanding contributions to Jamaica’s development and look forward to celebrating their successes,” Williams said.

Meanwhile, Acting Senior Director in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Yanique Williams echoed the sentiments shared by the Education Minister, adding that the ministry is “committed to nurturing the potential of Jamaica’s youth and providing them with opportunities to excel.”

The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence is the highest award a young person between the ages of 15-29 can receive in Jamaica. The awards commenced in 1998 and is a celebration of Jamaica’s brightest young minds as their achievements serve as empowerment to the next generation of leaders.

This year’s ceremony will take place at Jamaica House, commencing at 6:00 pm.

A total of 50 nominees have been shortlisted, from all parishes, representing excellence in 12 categories including Academics, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Arts and Culture, Entrepreneurship/Social Entrepreneurship, Innovation in Science and Technology, Sports, New Media, Journalism/E-Journalism, Youth Development, Music, Nation Building, and National Leadership.