Some of Tobago’s most outstanding young people were honoured on Wednesday evening at the 2026 Tobago Youth Awards.
Held at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, the event celebrated the achievements of young people across a range of sectors while encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.
The night began with a farewell speech from CARICOM Youth Ambassador Luke James-Trim, who was candid about the struggles he faced as an advocate from Tobago.
“It is important as Tobagonians that we remember who we are, where we come from and, most importantly, where we are going because your silence will result in your erasure. Your shame will result in every stereotype they have attached to being a Tobagonian becoming your identity.”
Navigating challenges on the road to achievement can be tough, but Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Keigon Denoon, said the key is discipline.
“Motivation will come and motivation will go. Discipline is what keeps you moving when motivation leaves. That is what is important because Tobago does not lack talented young people.”
Meanwhile, Chief Secretary Farley Augustine urged the young Tobagonians to become their very best selves for Tobago.
“In fact, Tobago needs you to self-actualise. And sometimes that requires not knocking on a door, but kicking down the damn door and busting down the door and ensuring that you have a place in that room and not being apologetic for doing so.”
He reassured them that the THA will stand beside them, providing support in their various endeavours.
“As I look at you, I know I am looking at potential new Chief Secretaries who will do better than I am doing right now. I know that I am looking at potential Presidents and potential Secretary Generals from the United Nations.”
Those goals seem to be what the awardees are aiming for.
Anthurium Lewis, who is already a United Nations Young Leader for Sustainable Goals and the recipient of three youth awards in education, youth service and leadership, says she is motivated.
“I am thinking about that pathway a lot, and when the Chief Secretary gave the motivation of there may even be some youth here that could become the Secretary General of the United Nations, I thought, ‘Well, why not just push forward, see where I can go’.”
A total of 19 awards were presented for achievements in areas such as youth leadership, performing arts, education, and entrepreneurship.