The ceremony for the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence (PMNYAE) for 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, on the lawns of Jamaica House, starting at 6:00 p.m.
Since its inception in 1998, the PMNYAE has been a platform where many young Jamaicans, aged 15 to 29, are recognised for demonstrating exceptional achievement and dedication to national development.
Acting Senior Director in the Youth and Adolescent Policy Division of the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI), Yanique Williams, said that 134 entries were submitted, from which 88 nominees were shortlisted for final interview across 15 categories.
These categories highlight the diverse talents and contributions of the nominees. They include Academics, Agriculture and Agro-Processing, Arts and Culture, Entrepreneurship/Social Entrepreneurship, Environmental Protection, Innovation in Science and Technology, Journalism/E-Journalism, Music, Nation-Building (Volunteerism), National Leadership, New Media (Social Media/YouTubers/Bloggers/Vloggers), Sports, Youth Development, Special Abilities, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
There is also the Prime Minister’s Special Award for Excellence. This is bestowed on an individual or an organisation that has excelled exceptionally in their field of work or study worthy of national recognition, and embodying the true meaning of resilience, innovation and excellence.
Ms. Williams told JIS News that in the move to promote inclusivity and recognise a broader range of talents, the 2024 awards introduced two new categories: Special Abilities and TVET.
“These additions reflect the selection committee’s commitment to acknowledging the varied pathways through which young Jamaicans excel and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.
“The Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence not only celebrate individual achievement but also seeks to inspire a culture of self-discipline, humility, and community service among Jamaica’s youth,” Ms. Williams said.
More than 1,800 guests, including youth representatives, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, nominees, well-wishers, and key stakeholders from across the country are expected to attend this prestigious event.