Dear Editor,

Young people are often cast in the shadows of negative headlines. The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence shines as a powerful and purposeful spotlight illuminating, validating, and elevating the efforts of Jamaica’s finest young minds.

Beyond the glitz and glamour of a single evening, this event carries immense significance for the future of the nation and the trajectory of youth empowerment. At its core, the youth awards is a national statement: Jamaica believes in its youth. It is one of the few platforms on which young achievers are not only seen but celebrated at the highest levels of leadership. By recognising excellence in areas such as entrepreneurship, agriculture, science and technology, leadership, and the arts, the awards programme sends a clear message that contribution and innovation, not just popularity, deserve applause.

For the thousands of young Jamaicans watching from across the island in schools, communities, homes where resources may be limited but dreams are limitless the ceremony becomes a mirror of what is possible. It inspires belief and cultivates a sense of identity rooted in productivity, pride, and purpose. Moreover, it redefines success for many, showing that youth can lead in service, scholarship, and social impact, not just in sports or entertainment.

The presence of past awardees who are now national change-makers shows the long-term impact this recognition can have. The awards also reflect good governance and the actualisation of youth policy. It validates the investments made in youth development programmes and show that the State recognises the need to nurture talent early.

It is an opportunity for the Government to align its vision of Jamaica being the place of choice to live, work, raise families and do business with the real achievements of its youngest citizens. Furthermore, the awards highlight the importance of inclusion and representation. Whether rural or urban, differently-abled or neurodivergent, traditional or non-traditional achievers, the diversity among awardees reaffirms that excellence is everywhere and deserves recognition.

The implications of such a function stretch far beyond the event itself. When youth feel seen, valued, and heard, they are more likely to stay engaged in nation-building. It boosts civic pride, encourages volunteerism, and motivates higher academic and entrepreneurial ambitions. These are the future engineers, educators, scientists, farmers, and leaders, and this function helps anchor their efforts to a shared vision of national progress.

At a time when brain drain and youth migration are pressing concerns, the youth awards offers a counter-narrative that Jamaica has space for the young to thrive. It is a strategic retention tool and a national call to action for communities, schools, and leaders to continue creating environments where excellence can grow.

The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards is not merely a celebration, it is a compass. It points to who we are and who we can become as a nation. If youth are the future, then this award is the nation’s promise to invest in that future with both intention and integrity. Long may it continue not just as a show, but as a symbol of what it truly means to value youth.

Leroy Fearon Jr

leroyfearon85@gmail.com