Former Jamaica Observer journalist Romardo Lyons has once again cemented his name in the annals of the local media industry, having received the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence (PMYAE) in the category of journalism last Saturday night at Jamaica House.

The 26-year-old Calabar High School alumnus told the Observer in a post-ceremony interview that he was thankful for the experiences garnered during his time at the company, which have contributed to his successes today.

“I really felt extremely humbled and honoured. In that moment, my mind just ran on all the achievements prior that would have undoubtedly led me to this moment. When I was at the
Jamaica Observer, I won the Press Association of Jamaica’s Young Journalist of the Year two years in a row, and also Sport Journalist of the Year for the print category. These awards really helped me to cement myself in the profession as a young journalist, and I am really grateful to Jamaica Observer for giving me that platform,” he stated.

Importantly, also, Lyons highlighted that his award is a significant achievement for his home community, Tivoli Gardens.

“I also thought about Tivoli Gardens and what this means for my community, my family there, my friends there, and young people in the community overall. I think this is a big win for Tivoli,” he said.

He explained that his interest in writing and storytelling was further piqued by the infamous Tivoli Gardens incursion. That deadly incident developed an unquestionable thirst in him to pursue an undergraduate degree in journalism at The University of the West Indies, Mona.

“I chose journalism because, from a very young age, I’ve always loved the craft of writing and putting words together to say something or show something. And then when I experienced the Tivoli Gardens incursion in 2010, I developed a strong interest for telling stories and uncovering truths and zooming in on issues that affect people. And if you look at my work over the years, it shows just that. People are always at the centre and that is something I plan to continue doing,” he emphasised.

Lyons, who had 10 nominations at the 2022 Caribbean Media Awards, said the PMYAE has reassured him that he is heading in the right direction.

“I have a vision and a goal for myself in the field of journalism, and this award means that I am on the right path to making that a reality. I am just super grateful and humbled that I was able to receive this honour. This is one of the highest youth awards in our country. So it’s definitely something that I do not take lightly and the magnitude of the moment is not lost on me,” he told the Observer.

Outside of journalism, Lyons is a poetry lover and writer who has had his work featured both locally and internationally, and he has won numerous awards in local cultural competitions. He also serves as a mentor at Calabar Infant and Primary School and Calabar High School.

Lyons believes that young people, especially those in marginalised communities, can achieve their goals if they remain determined and disciplined.

“If you put in the work and stay committed in your field, the rewards will definitely come. And rewards vary for each individual and each profession. It may not be this award, but something will come that will be a testament to your hard work, dedication, ‘sticktoitivity’ and pursuit of your dreams, specifically young people in inner-city communities,” he said.

“It is my biggest wish that honours like these inspire them to push forward and not be confined to society’s expectations or prescriptions. The sky is the limit,” he added.