As President and Chair of the CBU Board of Directors, I am delighted to welcome you to the launch of the 57th Caribbean Broadcasting Union Annual General Assembly and 37^th CBU Media Awards, set to take place in Guyana, the Land of Many Waters, from August 17 to 19, 2026.

This year, we gather under a theme that could not be more timely or more urgent: “Caribbean Media and Artificial Intelligence.”

Artificial Intelligence is no longer on the horizon; it is already reshaping how content is produced, distributed, translated, monetised, archived and consumed. It is changing how audiences receive information, how newsrooms verify facts, and how media institutions plan for the future.

For Caribbean media, the question is not whether Artificial Intelligence will affect us. Let’s be honest – it already has. The real question is this – how do we respond in a way that protects our people, strengthens our institutions, preserves our culture, and positions Caribbean media to lead with confidence, credibility and creativity?

That is why this 57th CBU Annual General Assembly is so important.

This year’s Assembly is the space for media leaders, broadcasters, journalists, technical professionals, policymakers, academics, development partners and content creators to examine the opportunities and risks of Artificial Intelligence in a Caribbean context.

We will explore innovation, while examining the ethics, authenticity, trust, safety and inclusion required of media practitioners in small developing societies, where information can quickly shape public confidence and national conversation.

So here’s what you can expect from this year’s AGA – We kick off with the Opening Ceremony featuring keynote speaker, the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali.

We are honoured that UNESCO Caribbean Representative, Mr. Eric Falt, will participate in the Opening Ceremony and help to frame our discussions around this year’s theme – particularly in relation to UNESCO’s important work with Caribbean Member States on the ethical, safe and inclusive deployment of Artificial Intelligence.

The Conference Day will further deepen the conversation, with the Honourable Kwame McCoy, Minister with responsibility for Information and Public Affairs in the Office of the Prime Minister of Guyana, delivering the keynote address.

We will also hear from a strong slate of presenters, including the Honourable E.J. Saunders, Minister of Innovation, Technology and Energy of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, and Mr. Embert Charles, President of the World Association for Christian Communication, who will speak on the important topic, “AI and Authenticity: Covering Caribbean Culture.”

In an age when images can be manufactured, voices can be cloned, and stories can be distorted at speed, Caribbean media must remain a trusted public space. We must ensure that our languages, accents, histories, communities and creative expressions are not flattened, misrepresented or erased by technologies that were not designed with us in mind.

At the same time, we must not approach AI with fear, because  used responsibly, it can help Caribbean media houses become more efficient, expand audience reach, improve accessibility, support disaster preparedness, strengthen archives, and create new possibilities for content delivery and regional collaboration.

Technology will also be a key focus of the Assembly, with Eutelsat hosting a workshop for senior broadcast engineers and technical officers on expanding reach, strengthening resilience, supporting emergency communications and creating new opportunities for connectivity.

This year, the CBU Media Hall of Fame will induct two outstanding Caribbean figures: the late journalist Mr. Rickey Singh and the late media and communications academic Professor Aggrey Brown. Their careers remind us that Caribbean media has always been shaped by courage, intellect, public service, cultural consciousness and a deep commitment to the people of this region.

Their induction will take place during the Opening Ceremony, with extended presentations on their life, work and impact during the Conference Day. Mr. Singh’s presentation will be delivered by Caribbean journalist and media trainer Mr. Wesley Gibbings, while Professor Brown’s presentation will be delivered by Dr. Patrick Prendergast, Director of the Caribbean School of Media and Communication at The University of the West Indies.

The 57th CBU Annual General Assembly will therefore be more than a meeting. It will be a regional conversation about the future of media, the future of technology, and the future of Caribbean storytelling all while grappling with the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence.

We invite our members, partners, sponsors, policymakers, media professionals and all those with an interest in communication, innovation and Caribbean development to be part of this important gathering.

Registration for the 57th CBU Annual General Assembly is now open, and delegates are encouraged to confirm their participation by visiting www.caribroadcastunion.org/aga57.

This year’s Assembly will be held from August 17 to 19, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana, with accommodation available at Pegasus Suites, Georgetown.

As we prepare for this year’s Assembly, we look forward to robust discussion, practical collaboration, new partnerships, and a renewed commitment to ensuring that Caribbean media does not simply adapt to the age of AI, but helps shape it in the public interest.

See you in Georgetown!

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The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) has announced the nominees for the 37th CBU Media Awards (CMA), following another record-breaking year for the region’s premier media competition.

A total of 683 entries were submitted across 63 categories by 41 media organisations and practitioners representing 16 countries and territories in the Dutch, English, French and Spanish Caribbean. Compared with the previous edition of the Awards, entries increased by 25 per cent, participating organisations rose by 25 per cent, and the number of countries and territories represented grew by 31 per cent.

The Awards programme continues to benefit from the support of regional and international partners whose sponsorship helps recognise excellence in journalism while highlighting issues critical to Caribbean development.

Returning sponsors for the 37th CBU Media Awards include the Caribbean Culture Fund, UNICEF Belize, The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division, the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management, and Sagicor Caribbean.

The CBU also welcomed three new sponsors for the 2026 competition. The United Nations Sub-Regional Team for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean is supporting the SDG Champion categories, UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area Office is sponsoring categories focused on child rights issues, and Massy Caribbean is backing four categories including the People’s Choice Awards and key journalism categories.

New Categories Expand Competition

This year’s competition introduced two significant innovations.

For the first time, entrants were able to compete in dedicated photography categories, recognising excellence in both Sports Photography and News Photography.

The CBU also launched a new student competition, creating opportunities for media and communications students from post-secondary and tertiary institutions across the Caribbean to showcase their talents in radio, television, print, digital media and photography.

Leading Organisations and Jurisdictions

Greater Belize Media emerged as the most nominated organisation in this year’s competition with 93 nominations. For the second consecutive year, it was followed by Jamaica’s RJRGLEANER Communications Group, which secured 78 nominations across its television, radio, print and digital platforms.

Jamaica once again led all participating jurisdictions with 105 nominated entries from seven organisations, including returning broadcaster CVM TV and new entrants Jamaica Information Service, the University of Technology, Jamaica, and The University of the West Indies, Mona.

Trinidad and Tobago recorded 102 nominations from eight organisations and individuals, the largest number of entrants from any single country. Leading contributors included Guardian Media Group, Express Newspaper, CCN TV6 and TTT Limited.

Belize matched Barbados with 95 nominations overall. In Barbados, the Nation Publishing Company led the field with 37 nominations, followed by the Barbados Government Information Service with 22 and Barbados Today with 12. New Barbadian entrants included Plan A Productions, the Barbados Community College and Capital Media HD 99.3.

Host country Guyana achieved a national record with 37 nominations from three media organisations. National Communications Network (NCN) led the way with 19 nominations, followed by News Room Inc. with 15 and the Guyana Chronicle with three.

The Awards also saw a strong return from the French-speaking Caribbean, with digital publisher Riches Karayib securing 32 nominations. The Cayman Islands returned to the competition with Compass TV earning 31 nominations, while the Cayman Islands Government Department of Communications also appeared among the nominees.

Other territories represented include Suriname, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Colombia’s San Andrés Island, Cuba, St. Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis, The Bahamas and the British Virgin Islands.

Recognition of Caribbean Excellence

Winners of the 37th CBU Media Awards will be announced during the Awards Gala on August 19, 2026, in Georgetown, Guyana, as part of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th Annual General Assembly (AGA 57).

To support participation in the event, nominees will once again receive a waiver of the conference registration fee and may obtain the necessary discount code by contacting the CBU Secretariat.

The complete list of nominees and registration information for AGA 57 are available on the CBU website.

As anticipation builds towards the Awards Gala, the nominees represent the breadth, diversity and quality of Caribbean journalism and broadcasting, demonstrating the continued strength of indigenous media across the region.

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The Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) is pleased to announce the nominees for the 37th CBU Media Awards, which recognise excellence in journalism, broadcasting, digital media, and content creation across the Caribbean.

This year’s nominees represent the outstanding work of media professionals and organisations from across the region, whose reporting, storytelling, production, and creative content continue to inform, educate, entertain, and inspire Caribbean audiences.

The nominations span a wide range of categories, including radio, television, print, digital media, student journalism, environmental reporting, arts and culture, child rights, financial literacy, and social media content creation.

Winners will be announced at the 37th CBU Media Awards Gala during the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s 57th Annual General Assembly (AGA 57), to be held in Georgetown, Guyana, from August 17–19, 2026.

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The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) renewed its partnership with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) for the Excellence in Media Coverage of Caribbean Arts and Culture category at this year’s 37th CBU Media Awards.

The award was first awarded in 2025 to recognise the vital role played by the region’s journalists to engage with and share Caribbean arts and culture to local and global audiences.

As Caribbean artists increasingly respond to issues such as migration, identity, social justice, community resilience and climate challenges, journalists help bring the public’s attention to artistic voices which might otherwise remain unheard outside their communities or national borders.

The award is open to media organisations operating across the Caribbean, and recognises reporting, criticism, features, and analysis on arts and culture in the Caribbean. Winners will be announced at the CBU Media Awards Gala in August 2026. The previous awards cycle received 48 entries from across the region.

CCF Executive Director Kellie Magnus said the partnership forms part of the Fund’s broader effort to amplify the work of Caribbean creatives.

“In the year since we launched these awards, the Caribbean has been hit by many challenges that reinforce how essential the arts are to reflect, protect, and strengthen our culture. We believe more than ever that journalism can help highlight the power of the arts and we are excited to see what is created” Magnus said.

The collaboration also reflects broader conversations taking place across the Caribbean about the importance of investing not only in artists, but in the wider systems that sustain cultural production, including media, criticism, documentation, and public discourse.

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Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago – Tuesday 5^th May 2026 – The Massy Group, one of the Caribbean’s largest publicly traded companies, today announced its partnership with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) 57th Annual General Assembly (AGA) and 37th Media Awards scheduled for 17–19 August in Georgetown, Guyana.

Massy will be a part of the region’s premier forum for media, through Its sponsorship of four (4) high-profile categories in the Awards competition:

• People’s Choice Award for Best Educational News Reel
• People’s Choice Award for Best News & Current Affairs Reel
• Production Award for Best Investigative Item (Print)
• Production Award for Best News Story (Digital)

These categories recognise the critical interplay between emerging short-form digital storytelling and traditional in-depth journalism. Collectively, they underscore Massy’s commitment to supporting the full spectrum of modern media and its vital role in fostering vibrant, informed, and engaged societies across the region.

“Caribbean journalism tells our story, who we are, what we value, and where we’re going. Massy has been part of that story for over a century, and this partnership is our way of investing in the people who tell it best.”  said Dionne Ligoure, Vice President, Corporate Communications and Corporate Affairs at Massy Group.

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, welcomed the partnership with Massy noting, “This kind of collaboration between a major regional private sector player like Massy,  in support of excellence in media content and creation is a strategic and positive step in supporting indigenous broadcast, print and digital media that are all so critical to the development of the region that both Massy and CBU members serve.”

Ligoure noted that the collaboration with the CBU represents a cornerstone of Massy’s broader strategic commitment to enhancing the regional media ecosystem. “As an organisation that has grown alongside the Caribbean for over 100 years, Massy is investing in the adoption of international best practices. Our goal is to encourage and recognise high-quality regional journalism, thereby spotlighting credible, impactful Caribbean storytelling across print, digital, radio and television,” she added.

The initiative also represents a core component of Massy’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, which is aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and aims to foster equitable development throughout the Group’s operational footprint.

The CBU AGA and Media Awards together form the region’s leading forum for media collaboration and recognition of excellence across broadcast, print and digital platforms. The 2025 awards saw 551 entries submitted across 61 categories by 30 media organisations representing 11 countries and territories, plus one pan-regional entity. Entries span the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish-speaking Caribbean, reflecting the diversity of regional media.

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First to successfully apply in 2026 for membership is Compass TV, a member of the Compass Media group based in the Cayman Islands. 

The television service has become a full member of the CBU and has gotten off to a flying start by submitting entries to the 37^th CBU Media Awards.

Barbados is the home of the second addition to the CBU member roll – DigitalShark Inc. The new associate member is a content production and media licensing company that creates programming for regional and international distribution.

Also coming on board as an associate CBU member is the Cayman Islands Government Department of Communications. 

The DoC is committed to keeping the community informed about “Government policies, services and initiatives.”  The Department has also made its first entry into the CBU Media Awards and is hoping to be called up to the stage during the Awards Gala taking place in Georgetown, Guyana on August 19, 2026.

CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, highlighted the significance of the expanded membership.  He noted, “this is evidence of the continued relevance of the CBU, particularly at a time when the Caribbean media sector is facing increasing challenges.  But through collaboration and joint advocacy via the CBU, the broad spectrum of stakeholders in Caribbean media are able to speak in critical forums and together find solutions fit for purpose in our region.”

The newest CBU members join a grouping of nearly three dozen media houses, educational institutions, regulators, and independent producers who collectively offer programme sharing, capacity building, policy advice and other sectoral development activities in the Dutch, English, French, and Spanish Caribbean.

World Press Freedom Day 2026

On May 5, the CBU will mark World Press Freedom Day with a Webinar under the UNESCO -designated theme “Shaping a Future at Peace”.  The event, beginning at 10.30 AM AST (11.30 AM SUR/ 9.30 AM JA/ 8.30 AM BZE will place the focus on media viability.  Through the event, participants are expected to gain a better understanding of the key factors affecting public sector and independent media services viability and pathways to improved resilience of the sector.

The event presenters include UNESCO Caribbean Representative, Mr. Eric Falt, CBU President, Mr. Anthony Greene, Executive Director, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica Mr. Cordel Green, Past President of CARICHAM, Ms Petipha Lewis, CEO of Media InSite, Ms. Allison Demas and Senior Lecturer at the Caribbean School of Media & Communication at the University of the West Indies Dr. Livingston White.  The moderator will be CBU Immediate Past President Dr. Claire Grant

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Navigating Change. Protecting Press Freedom.

Join the Caribbean Broadcasting Union as it marks World Press Freedom Day 2026.

On Tuesday May 5^th against the background of major changes in the regional media sector CBU President Anthony Greene invites you to be a part of the discussion about how Caribbean media can navigate the challenges it faces while strengthening democratic values and societal resilience.

This will be a solution-focused discussion with media professionals, regional partners, regulators and researchers on issues of media viability, pluralism, and inclusion.

Registration Closed

Thank you for your interest, registration for this event is now closed for submissions.

 

Your privacy matters : By registering for this event, the Registrant understands that the CBU or its or affiliates may collect, maintain, process and disclose certain personal information about the Registrant for the exclusive purpose of implementing, administering and, managing the event. Such information may include, but is not limited to: Registrant’s name,  email address, telephone number, job title and organisation.

Eric Falt, Regional Director - UNESCO Caribbean

Mr. Eric Falt is Regional Director of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and UNESCO Representative to 20 Caribbean countries and territories, based in Kingston, Jamaica. A French national with more than 35 years of United Nations experience, he has held senior leadership roles across Asia, Africa, Europe and the Middle East, including as UNESCO Regional Director for South Asia and for the Maghreb, and previously served at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris as Assistant Director-General for External Relations and Public Information.

Allison Demas - CEO Media InSite Ltd

Allison Demas is a true Caribbean woman.  She is passionate about the region’s development and creativity and is committed to full regional integration.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Media InSite Ltd., Allison – an Attorney-at-Law specializing in copyright and entertainment law – is a driven and visionary entrepreneur.

Since 2011, Allison has been dedicated to tracking, measuring, and analyzing media content including news, advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns, as well as social media conversations.

Allison has also served on several Boards and Committees including as Chairman of the National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago and as Chair of the NOVA Committee of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

Cordel Green - Executive Director, Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica

Mr. Cordel Green is an Attorney-at-Law, a former Assistant Attorney-General of Jamaica and a former broadcaster. His other affiliations include being Vice-Chairman of the International Bureau for the UNESCO Information For All Programme (IFAP), Paris; Vice Chairman (Caribbean) – International Centre for Information Ethics (ICIE); Commissioner at the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO; member of the Law Committee for the IEEE Global Initiative for Ethical Consideration in Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, and honorary member of the Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC), Washington D.C.

Petipha Lewis - Past President, CARICHAM

Petipha Lewis is Past President of the Caribbean Network  of Chambers of Commerce  & Industry (CARICHAM) and Executive Director of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce. With nearly four decades of leadership across the public and private sectors, she is a strong advocate for sustainable regional economic development, trade, and Caribbean integration, and also serves on several environmental and development-focused boards in Grenada and the wider region.

Dr. Livingston White - Senior Lecturer, CARIMAC UWI

Dr. Livingston White is a Senior Lecturer at the University of the West Indies Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), where he teaches communication analysis, research and social marketing. With more than 25 years of experience in research, training and media consultancy across the Caribbean, his work spans climate change, crisis communication, health communication and media development. He is also co-author of Still on Air: Producing Television in Small Markets and has extensive experience in television production in Jamaica.

Denis Chabrol - Founder, Demerara Waves Online News

Denis Chabrol is an award-winning Caribbean journalist and pioneer of online journalism in Guyana, having founded Demerara Waves Online News. His media career spans more than 40 years across technical production, broadcasting, news, and current affairs.

He has worked with regional and international media organisations including Radio Antilles, Caribbean News Agency, BBC Caribbean Service, Christian Science Monitor, and Agence France-Presse.

A former executive member of the Association of Caribbean Media Workers and the Guyana Press Association, Denis has also represented the Caribbean on the Global Forum for Media Development and at World Press Freedom Day conferences in Ghana and Indonesia.

He holds a BSc in Communications from the University of Guyana and remains a strong advocate for media training, ethical journalism, and combating misinformation in the public interest.

Dr. Claire Grant, OD - Moderator

Dr. Claire Grant, OD is Managing Director of PHARE Media Consultancy Limited and a former President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union. With more than 30 years of experience in journalism, broadcasting and media strategy, she has held senior leadership roles across the Caribbean, including at RJRGLEANER Communications Group, and is widely recognised for her work in media transformation, regulation and digital broadcasting.

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In a video message to members and stakeholders, CBU President Anthony Greene confirmed that the Assembly will be hosted by the Government of Guyana and will centre on the theme Caribbean Media and AI.

The three-day programme is expected to attract media executives, journalists, academics, content creators, development partners, and suppliers of media equipment and services for discussions on the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s communications landscape.

Participants can also look forward to a programme designed to support industry engagement, professional development, networking, and the celebration of media excellence.

As preparations continue, registration details and programme information will be released soon through the CBU website and official social media platforms.

The Annual General Assembly remains one of the region’s leading forums for dialogue and collaboration within the Caribbean media sector, providing an opportunity to explore emerging trends and strengthen partnerships across the industry.

🎥 Watch the announcement video for full details and stay connected for registration updates.

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Bridgetown, Barbados: From helping families understand critical health issues to guiding individuals toward better financial decisions, Caribbean journalism plays a powerful role in shaping informed and resilient communities. As such, Sagicor Financial Company Ltd. is proud to continue supporting such impact through its category sponsorship of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union’s (CBU) Media Awards.

As part of its annual corporate social responsibility commitment, the financial services entity sponsors two award categories – Health Education Journalism (print) and Financial Literacy Journalism (television) – recognising media practitioners whose reporting goes beyond informing, to truly empowering audiences with knowledge that supports better decision-making and long-term stability for themselves and their families.

Ingrid Card, Vice President, Communications and Brand Experience at Sagicor Financial, said the company is proud to continue the sponsorship for another year. “We are proud to continue supporting the outstanding work of media practitioners across the Caribbean. Each year, we are inspired by the depth, quality, and thoughtfulness of the submissions. The media plays a vital role in advancing public understanding of health education and financial literacy, and in doing so, contribute meaningfully to the empowerment and wellbeing of our region.”  

The impact of these awards is reflected in the calibre of work recognised each year. In 2025, the Financial Literacy Journalism (television) award was presented to Greater Belize Media (Channel 5) for its piece on Budgeting for Belizean Christmas Traditions, reported by Paul Lopez, with videography by Joel Wesbey – a compelling exploration of cultural spending and financial planning. The Health Education Journalism (print) award went to RJRGLEANER Communications Group (The Gleaner) in Jamaica for Disease Transfer Eliminated, written by Sashana Small, highlighting critical public health progress and awareness. 

CBU President, Anthony Greene, welcomed Sagicor’s continued support of the Awards.

“It’s particularly pleasing to the CBU that a private sector entity is offering this kind of incentive that can only foster our media offering more, high quality development themed content. This type of partnership is precisely why the CBU’s Awards are so important to the Caribbean and to the audiences our media seek to serve.”

The 57th CBU Assembly and the 37th CBU Media Awards Gala will be held in August 2026, bringing together media professionals from across the Dutch, English, French and Spanish-speaking Caribbean to honour excellence in media across print, digital, television and radio formats.

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The award recognises impactful media content that highlights real progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the Caribbean, showcasing storytelling that informs, inspires and drives positive change at national and regional levels.

Media professionals are encouraged to submit work that reflects innovation, inclusion, sustainability and social impact, and demonstrates the role of media in advancing the Global Goals.

The deadline for submissions is February 28, 2026, Learn more submitting your entry for the 37th CBU Media Awards at https://www.caribroadcastunion.org/2025/11/26/37cbucma/

More information on the SDGs is available at https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

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