The Caribbean Broadcasting Union is pleased to announce the winners of this year’s 36^th Media Awards.

On Wednesday, August 19, Award and Special Mention winners were announced in a live telecast hosted by the Barbados Government Information Service and UWI-TV.

Presentations of trophies and certificates were made in fifty-two (52) categories.  Of these eighteen (18) – were themed categories supported by category sponsors:

• The Healthy Caribbean Coalition
• UNICEF Belize
• Sagicor
• The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division,
• The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management
• SAEDI Consulting Limited
• The Caribbean Culture Fund

NEW CATEGORY SPONSORS COME ON BOARD

During the Gala event, two organisations announced they would be coming on board as category sponsors in the next edition of the competition, scheduled to be presented in August 2026.

The Centre for Media Integrity of the Americas, represented by Advisory Board member, Mr. David Adams announced a Caribbean Defender of Media Freedom Award.  While the UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean announced it would be supporting SDG Champion Awards for the 37^th edition of the CMA.

TOP PERFORMERS FROM JAMAICA AND BELIZE

The organisation with the largest number of wins is RJRGLEANER Communications Group from Jamaica, with twelve (12) awards and six (6) special mentions across its media services.

Next in line was Greater Belize Media with twelve (12) award plaques and three (3) special mention certificates.

Host country Barbados was on the ball with eight awards in total as well as seven (7) special mentions.  There were four (4) awards wins and four (4) special mention wins by the Barbados Government Information Service.  Also contributing strongly was Starcom Network with two (2) award wins as well as two (2) special mentions.  There was also an Award and Special Mention for CBC Barbados and an Award win by the Nation newspaper.

Trinidad and Tobago was well represented with TTT Limited winning three (3) awards as well as four (4) special mentions. The Guardian Group was successful in three (3) categories with two (2) awards and as well as (1) special mention. WESN Content Capital made a creditable contribution with three (3) special mentions

FIRST-TIME WINNERS

For the first time the CBU member Radio Turks and Caicos won a Special Mention on its inaugural participation in the competition.  While the Guyana Chronicle also was awarded a Special Mention for its first ever entry.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

A. PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

1. BEST NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS REEL
   Award – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner Instagram & Facebook)
   Gleaner Journalist Stranded in St. Elizabeth During Hurricane Beryl:
   Andre Williams
2. BEST MUSIC REEL
   Award – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (TVJ News Instagram)
   Mile End Road Woes
   Romardo Lyons and Lloyd Hinds
3. BEST COMEDY REEL
   Award – Greater Belize Media (Facebook News 5 Live)
   Michael Peyrefitte; You Can Call Me Fat, But You Can’t Call Me Thief
   Benita Keme Palacio
4. BEST EDUCATIONAL REEL
   Award – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (TVJ Facebook & UN Facebook)
   Romardo Talks Sustainable Development Goals
   Romardo Lyons

B. PRODUCTION AWARDS (RADIO)

1. BEST DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMME
   Award – Barbados Government Information Service
   On the Call of the Captain – Part 1
   Shayla Murrell and Andre Olton
2. BEST MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
   Award – Instituto de Información y Comunicación Social Cuba (Radio Ciudad Bandera)
   Our America: Fifty Years of Musical Excellence
   Roberto Antonio González González
3. BEST DRAMA PROGRAMME
   Award – Instituto de Información y Comunicación Social Cuba (Mayabeque Radio Station)
   Barquito de Papel
   Elizabeth Alvarez Hernández
4. BEST NEWS STORY
   Special Mention – Starcom Network Inc Barbados (VOB 92.9FM)
   After Hurricane Beryl: The Road to Recovery
   Tonisha Rock Yaw and John StouteAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Radio Jamaica)
   Child Killer – Kayodi Satchell
   Racquel Porter
5. BEST SPORTS STORY
   Award – Instituto de Información y Comunicación Social Cuba (Rebel Radio)
   Discussion of Mijain López’s Gold in Paris 2024
   Dulier Reyes Gómez
6. BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
   Award – Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (CIJN’s Spotify Audio Channel)
   Seniors: Climate Change Forgotten Ones
   Esther Jones, Natalee Legore and Ryan Bachoo
7. BEST COMEDY ITEM
   Award – Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Barbados (94.7 FM and 100.7 Q FM)
   T’was the Night Before Bajan Christmas
   Andre Harewood and Kimberley Skeete
8. BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME
   Award – TTT Ltd Trinidad & Tobago (Talk City 91.1 FM)
   Saturday Brunch featuring Nessa Preppy
   Executive Producer TTT Ltd, Talk City 91.1 FM; Producer & Presenter Jayron “Rawkus” Remy

C. PRODUCTION AWARDS (TELEVISION)

4. BEST DOCUMENTARY PROGRAMME
   Special Mention – Teleislas San Andres Island, Colombia
   San Andres Historical Decades – The 40s
   TeleislasSpecial Mention – TTT Ltd Trinidad & Tobago
   Sankofa: Return to Self
   Executive Producer TTT Ltd, Producer Shamelia Thomas-Ashby, Editor Renaldo De BourgAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Television Jamaica’s All Angles)
   Hear Today, Gone Tomorrow
   Giovanni Dennis, Jelani Campbell, Dionne Jackson Miller, Ivan Shaw, Paul Davis, Reuben Nunes, Victor Johnson and Milton Reid
5. BEST MAGAZINE PROGRAMME
   Special Mention – TTT Ltd Trinidad & Tobago
   Penny on Point (POP) Lyrikal and Teddyson John Season 3 Eps 11
   Producer Penny Gomez & Colin Greaves;  Presenter Penny Gomez;  Editor NH Productions TT; Distributor TTT LtdAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Television Jamaica)
   Countdown to Paris 2024
   Camille Barrett, Ornella Taylor, Jordan Forte, Television Production Crew
6. BEST DRAMA PROGRAMME
   Award – Instituto de Información y Comunicación Social Cuba
   Valientes
   Canal Cubavision
7. BEST NEWS STORY
   Special Mention – National Communications Network Guyana (NCN News)
   GPL Emergency
   Nakasia LoganSpecial Mention – Guardian Media Trinidad & Tobago (CNC 3 TV)
   New St. Joseph School Wastes Away
   Akash Samaroo and Timothy ChasteauSpecial Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Television Jamaica’s Prime Time News)
   Distracted on Duty Part 1
   Reporter Producer, Giovanni Dennis; Technical Editor, Omar Samuels

   Award – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   Retired Public Officers Protest During Budget Debate, Again
   Reporter Paul Lopez; Videographer Joel Wesbey

8. BEST SPORTS STORY
   Special Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Television Jamaica)
   From Junior Standout to Olympian
   Denise Walters
9. BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT
   Special Mention – CCN TV6 Trinidad & Tobago
   Life in Dudley Beharry Trace
   Cindy Raghubar TeekersinghAward – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   News 5 Investigates Caribi Bleu Casino
   Reporter Paul Lopez; Videographers Joel Wesbey and George Tillett
10. BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME
    Special Mention – WESN Content Capital Trinidad & Tobago
    12 Carols of Christmas
    Rodney Ghany, Joash Alexander, Myel Wood, Ryan G. Burke and Neil StuartSpecial Mention – TTT Ltd Trinidad & Tobago
    Penny on Point Yung Bredda and Pimpin’ Season 3 Episode 12
    Producer Penny Gomez & Colin Greaves;  Presenter Penny Gomez; Editor NH Productions TT; Distributor TTT LtdAward – The National Channel Belize
    Glazed Out the Competition: Season 3
    The National Channel

D. PRODUCTIONS AWARDS (PRINT)

1. BEST NEWS STORY
   Special Mention – Guyana Chronicle
   “Too Hot To Handle”: Are Rising Temperatures Searing Mental Health?
   Naomi ParrisAward – Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
   Resident: Gangs Keep St. Paul Streets Safe
   Gregory McBurnie and Sharlene Rampersad
2. BEST SPORTS STORY
   Special Mention – Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
   Bassarath on Back Foot Over Club Grants
   Enrique Rupert and Stephon Nicholas
3. BEST INVESTIGATIVE ITEM
   Special Mention – Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
   Ex Gang Members: “Spare the Innocents”
   Narissa FraserSpecial Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Sunday Gleaner)
   Ghost Schools
   Corey RobinsonAward – Guardian Media (Trinidad & Tobago Guardian)
   Warner in the Mix
   Joshua Seemungal
4. BEST ENTERTAINMENT ITEM
   Special Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica
   It Was An Expected Ruling
   Tanesha MundleAward – Trinidad & Tobago Newsday
   Guitarist Kyle Peters’ Persistence Pays Off
   Narissa Fraser

E. PRODUCTION AWARDS (DIGITAL)

1. BEST NEWS STORY
   Special Mention – Barbados Government Information Service (gisbarbados.gov.bb)
   “Build Your Own Door” Project Gets Thumbs Up From Participants
   Sharon Austin & Eyvette McCleanSpecial Mention – Greater Belize Media (Channel5belize.com)
   Will the Sea Cucumber Industry Sink or Swim? A Look at Its Future Amidst Overfishing Concerns
   Hipolito NoveloAward – Starcom Network Inc Barbados (@starcomnetworknews; @vob92.9FM; @thebeat104)
   After Hurricane Beryl: The Road to Recovery
   Tonisha Rock-Yaw and Gabrielle Williams
2. BEST SPORTS STORY
   Special Mention – Barbados Government Information Service (gisbarbados.gov.bb)
   Riding The Wave of Success: Barbados Surf Pro
   Mikul Elcock, Aisha Reid and Sheena Forde-CraiggAward – Greater Belize Media (Channel5belize.com)
   I Am Not Disabled; I Am THIS Abled!
   Hipolito Novelo
3. BEST INVESTIGATIVE ITEM
   Special Mention – Starcom Network Barbados (Starcomnetwork.net)
   The Streets
   Stetson Babb
   
   Special Mention – Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (www.cijn.org)
   Barbados’ Forgotten Few
   Esther Jones, Natalee Legore and Ryan BachooSpecial Mention – Greater Belize Media (Facebook News 5 Live)
   Rushed Conservation: Is Belize’s Blue Bonds Deal Sacrificing Fishermen for Global Praise?
   Hipolito NoveloAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (1spotmedia.com)
   Underground Bloodsport: Cockfighting in Jamaica
   Giovanni Dennis and Omar Samuels
4. BEST ENTERTAINMENT ITEM
   Award – TTT Ltd Trinidad & Tobago (Facebook Next 99.1FM)
   Mash Up: The Music That Made Us – Pan
   Executive Producer TTT Limited: Producer Stacy Wyke; Host Keston Trotman; Camera Operators Peron D’Herieux and Kashawn Cedeno

F.    ADVERTISING AWARDS

2. BEST COMMERCIAL (RADIO)
   Special Mention – Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation Barbados (98.1 The One FM; 94.7 FM; 100.7 Q FM)
   Route 246
   Andre Harewood and Shayne “DJ Ras” EdwardsSpecial Mention – Radio Turks & Caicos (89.1FM)
   Welcome to Caicos Café in Grand Turk
   Vaughn Hinds aka “R.I.G.”Award – National Broadcasting Corporation St. Vincent & the Grenadines (NBC Radio)
   Building & Loan Merry Money
   Jason Bess
   
3. BEST COMMERCIAL (TELEVISION)
   Award – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   Channel 5 Christmas Card 2024
   Rick Romero, Cleon Barrow and Monilee Aspinall
4. BEST PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISEMENT (DIGITAL)
   Award – Barbados Government Information Service
   Be Beach Smart Quiz 1 – Flags
   Esther Jones
5. BEST PUBLIC SERVICE ADVERTISEMENT (TELEVISION)
   Award – Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica
   World Diabetes Day 2024 – Put Wellbeing At the Heart of Diabetes Care
   Sherez Jackson, Gabrielle Thompson Jackson and Claud Watkis

G. THEME AWARDS (RADIO)

1. EXCELLENCE IN RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME
   Award – Starcom Network Inc Barbados
   The Surge in Youth-Related Violent Crime in Barbados
   Shantelle Legall-Gibson

2. EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA COVERAGE OF CARIBBEAN ARTS AND CULTURE – SPONSORED BY THE CARIBBEAN CULTURE FUND
   Special Mention – Instituto de Información y Comunicación Social Cuba (Mayabeque Radio Station)
   Martha Jean Claude: A Woman Between Two Islands
   Elizabeth Alvarez HernándezAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica)
   Fading Into History Jamaica’s Dying Christmas Tradition
   Kemon White

H. THEME AWARDS (TELEVISION)

7. EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING ON MANGROVE/SEAGRASS BEDS – SPONSORED BY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY CARIBBEAN DIVISION
   Special Mention – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   Belize’s Reefs Improving but Still Need Saving
   Reporter Marion Ali; Videographer Darrel MoguelAward – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Television Jamaica)
   Rocking the Boat
   Romardo Lyons, Ivan Shaw and Uton West
8. CHILD RIGHTS CHAMPION: INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING STORY – SPONSORED BY UNICEF BELIZE
   Award – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   “I Am A Child Not A Bride” Ending Child Marriage in Belize
   Reporter: Britney Gordon; Videographer Joel Wesbey
9. CHILD RIGHTS CHAMPION: ELIMINATION OF VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN (EVAC) – SPONSORED BY UNICEF BELIZE
   Award – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
   How Is TCC Fighting Bullies
   Reporter Britney Gordon; Videographer Kenroy Michael
10. CHILD RIGHTS CHAMPION: CHILDREN WHO INSPIRE STORY – SPONSORED BY UNICEF BELIZE
    Award – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
    Fifteen-Year-Old Aspiring Politician Shines At International Debate Conference
    Reporter Britney Gordon: Videographer Kenroy Michael
11. COVERAGE OF HEALTHY NUTRITION FOOD POLICY – SPONSORED BY HEALTHY CARIBBEAN COALITION
    Award – Barbados Government Information Service
    This is My Life: Stories From People Living With NCDs – Olvin Forde
    Esther Jones, Melissa Rollock, Aaron Greenidge
12. EXCELLENCE IN RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
    Special Mention – WESN Content Capital
    The Situation in Venezuela – 10 Questions
    Rodney Ghany, Andy Johnson and Joash Alexander
     
13. EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA COVERAGE OF CARIBBEAN ARTS AND CULTURE – SPONSORED BY THE CARIBBEAN CULTURE FUND
    Special Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (Television Jamaica)
    Ishion Hutchinson – Entertainment Report
    Anthony MillerAward – TTT Ltd Trinidad and Tobago
    Skin to Steel
    Executive Producer TTT Ltd; Producer Akeisha Francis; Camera Operators Nicholas Peters and Isaiah Matheson; Editor Renaldo De Bourg
14. BEST PRODUCTION ON LAND DEGRADATION NEUTRALITY – SPONSORED BY THE PARTNERSHIP INITIATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE LAND MANAGEMENT
    Award – Greater Belize Media
    The Cost of Deforestation At the Supermarket
    Reporter Paul Lopez; Videographer Kenroy Michael
15. FINANCIAL LITERARY JOURNALISM – SPONSORED BY SAGICOR
    Special Mention – WESN Content Capital Trinidad & Tobago
    Dollars & Sense: Importance of Financial Literacy
    Rodney Ghany and Daron JacobsSpecial Mention – Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica
    The Business Report: November 11, 2024
    Producer Dennise WilliamsAward – Greater Belize Media (Channel 5)
    Budgeting for Belizean Christmas Traditions
    Reporter Paul Lopez; Videographer Joel Wesbey

I. THEME AWARDS (DIGITAL)

1. EXCELLENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING ON CORAL REEFS – SPONSORED BY THE NATURE CONSERVANCY CARIBBEAN DIVISION
   Award – Barbados Government Information Service
   Our Fragments of Hope
   Esther Jones
2. EXCELLENCE IN RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
   Award – Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network
   Tricked Into Sex Slavery: Global Crackdown Hasn’t Stopped Caribbean Traffickers
   Natanga Smith, Marion Ali, Soyini Grey, Valerie Fris and Roseann Pile
3. EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA COVERAGE OF CARIBBEAN ARTS AND CULTURE – SPONSORED BY THE CARIBBEAN CULTURE FUND
   Special Mention – TTT Ltd
   Mashup: The Music That Made Us – Chutney
   Executive Producer TTT Ltd;  Producer Stacy Wyke; Host Keston Trotman;  Camera Operators, Peron D’Herieux, Kashawn CedenoAward – Joanne C. Hillhouse Antigua & Barbuda (The Observer)
   Creative Space #20 of 2024: St. John’s, City of Stories
   Joanne C. Hillhouse

J. THEME AWARDS (PRINT)

1. COVERAGE OF HEALTHY NUTRITION FOOD POLICY – SPONSORED BY HEALTHY CARIBBEAN COALITION
   Award – RJRGLEANER Communications Group
   Youth Advocates Hungry For School Nutrition Policy
   Sashana Small
2. EXCELLENCE IN RESPONSIBLE REPORTING ON YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN CRIME
   Award – Nation Newspaper Barbados
   Plea for Peace
   Tre Greaves
3. EXCELLENCE IN MEDIA COVERAGE OF CARIBBEAN ARTS AND CULTURE – SPONSORED BY THE CARIBBEAN CULTURE FUND
   Special Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (The Gleaner)
   Jonkunnu: Ghosts of Christmas Past
   Sashana SmallAward – Guardian Media (Trinidad Guardian)
   Cultural Experts: Vybz Kartel’s Concert Shows Need for Foreign Validation
   Soyini Grey
4. HEALTH EDUCATION JOURNALISM – SPONSORED BY SAGICOR
   Award – RJRGLEANER Communications Group Jamaica (The Gleaner)
   Disease Transfer Eliminated
   Sashana Small

K. CONTENT CREATION AWARDS

1. Best Social Media Content Creator/s
   Award – Barbados Government Information Service
   Taste of the Holidays: “Pigtail Blaster”; “Xmas Traditions”; “Trevon Stoute” (video); “Local Talent” (reel)
   Mikul Elcock, Aisha Reid, Sheena Weekes, Andre Olton, Anthony Husbands and Fabian Belgrave
2. Best Producer (TV)
   Special Mention – RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Television Jamaica)
   All Angles: January 10, January 24, July 31, and August 14, 2024
   Giovanni DennisAward – Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica
   Know Your Natives and Endemics: August 4, August 11, August 18 and August 25, 2024
   Carol Francis
3. Best Sound Engineer (Radio)
   Special Mention – Barbados Government Information Service
   A Matter of Interest – School Travels: Seatbelt Safety – August 28, 2024; In Case You Missed It #16 – December 5, 2024; Jus Ah Conversation – Mekkin Sport at Sports – December 22, 2024; Hurricane Preparedness 2024 (PSA) – May 24, 2024
   Andre Olton