The Orange Economy is taking centre stage as the Make It Happen Network celebrates creatives whose talent, resilience and dedication continue to shape Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape.
This year, the spotlight shines on achievers in fashion and media, as the initiative expands its reach and creates opportunities for greater recognition and community building within the creative sector.
The awards, according to founder Andre Sealy, form part of the Make It Happen Network’s efforts to celebrate people who are turning their talents and ideas into meaningful contributions.
“Today as we expanded, as we grow, we’re now focused on fashion and media. So that is the evolution of how it transpired, and now at Becoming III, as you say, this is a community-building event. This is where we celebrate the Orange Economy. This is what a birthday party ended up into.”
For this year’s recipients, the recognition carries personal significance, particularly for those who have spent years building careers in Trinidad and Tobago’s creative industries.
Fashion industry recipient Ecliff Elie says the award is a reminder of his journey and the importance of having creative work recognised and respected.
“Today, I have a lot to be grateful for because the tables have turned. As I became an adult, I was able to express and do the things that I love. To be recognised, the people from the Orange Economy are very passionate people, very emotional, they put a lot of emotion to everything that they do. Whether it’s painting, whether it’s being an artist, whether it’s being a tailor, whatever it may be. People just don’t understand and most of the times, they are disrespected.”
The 2026 Make It Happen Award is also recognising talent in the media industry, with CCNTV6 News anchor and former CNMG anchor Desha Rambhajan-Malli becoming the first female recipient in the awards’ history.
The event will be hosted at the National Academy for the Performing Arts, and Chairman Kenny Phillips highlighted the institution’s role in providing opportunities for creatives.
“For NAPA, this is what social responsibility should look like, using what we have to create opportunities to open doors and help young people take meaningful steps towards their dreams. We are helping another story begin, and that is why the work of the Make It Happen Network matters. Recognition matters.”
The Make It Happen Network aims to create spaces where entertainment, entrepreneurship, networking and community building converge while shining a spotlight on individuals helping to shape the country’s creative economy.