On Tuesday, August 13, at the Umaya Hotel in Placencia Belize Award and Special Mention winners were announced in a live telecast hosted by Great Belize Productions Limited – Channel 5.

Presentations of trophies and certificates were made in fifty-five (55) categories.  A record number of these – twenty-four (24) – were themed categories supported by category sponsors:

• • UNDP CariSECURE 2.0
  • The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre
  • The Healthy Caribbean Coalition
  • Sagicor Financial Company Limited
  • The Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund,
  • The Nature Conservancy Caribbean Division,
  • The Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land Management and
  • SAEDI Consulting (Barbados) Inc.

NEW CATEGORY SPONSOR COMES ON BOARD

During the Gala event, the Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) announced it will be partnering with the CBU for the 36th edition of the competition, with the prizes to be presented during the 56th Annual General Assembly scheduled for Barbados in August 2025.

TOP PERFORMERS FROM JAMAICA AND BELIZE

The organisation with the largest number of wins is RJRGLEANER Communications Group from Jamaica, with sixteen (16) awards and four (4) special mentions across its media services.

Next in line is Great Belize Productions – Channel 5 – with eight (8) wins and two (2) special mentions.

Trinidad and Tobago was well represented with Trinidad Express fielding five (5) award winners and garnering four (4) special mentions. From that country, TTT Limited was next in line winning four (4) awards as well as a special mention. The Guardian Group was successful in five (5) categories with two awards for CNC-3 and as well as two (2) special mentions for the television service and one (1) for the print arm – the Guardian newspaper.

FIRST-TIME WINNERS

For the first time the Nation Newspaper of Barbados won an award in the CBU competition while the first ever entry from the Cayman Islands, Department of Communication earned a Special Mention.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

• AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Television Jamaica) “Decades of Christmas for Seniors” – Romardo Lyons – Reporter; Ivan Shaw, Uton West – Editors

PRODUCTION AWARDS (RADIO)

• Best Documentary Programme
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica 94FM) “The Men in Mental Health” – Dadrian Gordon
  SPECIAL MENTION: Starcom Network (Barbados) “World Food Day 2023 Tribute” – Shantelle Legall-Gibson
• Best Drama Programme
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica 94FM) “A Place Called Yaad” – by Radio Jamaica 94FM
• Best News Story
  AWARD: IRIE FM (Jamaica) “Crime Puts Damper on Christmas Cheer” – by Myesha Broadie
  SPECIAL MENTION: Starcom Network (Barbados) “Respiratory Illnesses & COVID” – by Vonardo Corbin
• Best Sports Story
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica) “West Indies Failure to Qualify for the World Cup” – Jerome Foster
• Best Investigative Report
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica) “White Collar Crime in Jamaica” – Giovanni Dennis
• Best Comedy Item
  SPECIAL MENTION: Starcom Network (Barbados) “The Corniest Joke I Ever Heard” – Michelle Spencer
• Best Entertainment Programme
  AWARD: TTT Ltd (Trinidad & Tobago) “Saturday Brunch: Kyle Hernandez” – Executive Producer TTT Ltd; Talk City 91.1; Producer & Presenter Jayron “Rawkus” Remy

PRODUCTION AWARDS (TELEVISION)

• Best Documentary Programme
  AWARD: TTT Limited (Trinidad & Tobago) “Best Village: Episode 2” – Executive Producer TTT Limited, Producer Shamelia Thomas-Ashby, Editor Renaldo de Bourg, Camera Romano Francois, Kashawn Cedeno
  SPECIAL MENTION: Cayman Islands Department of Communication “Who We Are” – Department of Communications, Cayman Islands Government
• Best Magazine Programme
  AWARD: National Communications Network (Guyana) “Guyana Emerging” – Ilapil Bipta, Neaz Subhan
  SPECIAL MENTION: Great Belize Productions Limited “Open Your Eyes: Easter Special” – Hosts – Sabreena Daly and John Palacio; Producers – Viannie Reyes and Brianna Bennett; Videographers—Rick Romero and Joel Westby
• Best News Story
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “A Competency-Based Approach to Education in Belize” – Reporter – Paul Lopez; Videographer – Darrel Moguel; Videographer – Kenroy Michael
• Best Sports Story
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “Robotics Officially Declared a Sport” – Reporter Paul Lopez; Videographer George Tillett
• Best Investigative Report
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Television Jamaica) “Who Shall Live: Dialysis Dilemma” – Shemala Pullen, Uton West, Richard Brown, Milton Reid
• Best Comedy Item
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Television Jamaica) “876 Comedy Club” – by Dahlia Harris, Trevor Johnson, Judith Alberga, Garnet Lewis, Johnny Live Productions and TVJ Studio Crew
• Best Entertainment Programme
  AWARD: Teleislas (San Andres Islands, Colombia) “True Islander II” – Teleislas, Antillean Films

PRODUCTION AWARDS (PRINT)

• Best News Story
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Piecing Together a Shattered World” – Tanesha Mundle
  SPECIAL MENTION: Jamaica Observer “Shameful” – Romardo Lyons
• Best Sports Story
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Senior SSL Officials Knew of Bolt’s Welljen Account” – by Jovan Johnson
• Best Entertainment Item
  AWARD: Trinidad Express “A Childhood Dream Comes True for Ancil Harris” – by – Essiba Small
• Best Investigative Item
  AWARD: Trinidad Express “Email Hacks and The Israel Connection” – Mark Bassant

PRODUCTION AWARDS (DIGITAL)

• Best News Story
  AWARD: Trinidad Express “Loving Leela” – Richard Charan
  SPECIAL MENTION: TTT Ltd (Trinidad & Tobago) “See Yourself: Plant One Tree And Eat For Free” – Executive Producer TTT Ltd; Journalist, Mahalia Joseph
• Best Sports Story
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (One Spot Media) “The Creation of a World Champion” – Jerome Foster
• Best Entertainment Item
  AWARD: TTT Ltd (Trinidad & Tobago) “Mash Up, the Music That Made Us – Rapso” – Executive Producer TTT Ltd; Producer Stacy Wyke; Camera Operator, Carlos Walcott
  SPECIAL MENTION: Trinidad Express “The Closing Chapters” – Richard Charan
• Best Investigative Item
  AWARD: Trinidad Express “A Grave Far From Home” – Richard Charan
  SPECIAL MENTION: Trinidad Express “The Dark Secret At St. Ann’s”- Khamarie Rodriguez
  SPECIAL MENTION: Great Belize Productions Ltd “Bert Vasquez Stays on Remand” – Hipolito Novelo

ADVERTISING AWARDS

• Best Commercial Spot (Television)
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Ltd “UNITEX: No Worries With A Spark Beach Cruiser” – by Rick Romero
• Best Public Service Spot (Television)
  AWARD: TTT Limited “Ministry of Health Men’s Mental Health” – Executive Producer, TTT Ltd; Producer Cherisse Gibson; Editor Renaldo de Bourg
  SPECIAL MENTION: Teleislas “How To Love SAI” – by Teleislas and Joel Peñalosa

THEME AWARDS (RADIO)

• Best News Story on Poverty Reduction & Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust FundAWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica 94FM) “Period Poverty and Climate Change” – Giovani Dennis
• Excellence in Responsible Reporting on Youth Involvement in Crime
  Sponsored by CariSECURE 2.0
  
  SPECIAL MENTION: Starcom Network “Truce Feature” – Vonardo Corbin

THEME AWARDS (TELEVISION)

• Excellence in Environmental Reporting on Mangrove/Seagrass Beds
  Sponsored by The Nature Conservancy Caribbean DivisionAWARD: Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica “Protecting Jamaica’s Own” – by Carol Francis, Marlon Samuels and Gabrielle Samuels
• Coverage of Healthy Nutrition Food Policy
  Sponsored by Healthy Caribbean Coalition
  
  AWARD: Government Information Service of Barbados “Grow Green Barbados: Episode 3 – Organic Farming” – Aisha Reid, Mikul Elcock, David Bynoe, Esther Jones, KathyAnn Husbands
• Best News Story on Poverty Reduction & Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund
  
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “Don’t Tax My Femininity” – Reporter: Duane Moody; Videographers: Darrel Moguel & Rick Romero
• Excellence in Responsible Reporting on Youth Involvement in Crime
  Sponsored by CariSECURE 2.0AWARD: CNC3 News (Trinidad & Tobago) “Youths And Serious Crime” – Carisa Christie Lee
• Best Climate Change Documentary
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreAWARD: Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (Barbados) “Info Insight: Rum & Sargassum” – by Myles Eversley, Joshua Hinkson & Sherwood McCaskie
  SPECIAL MENTION: CNC3 News (Trinidad & Tobago) “Woodland: The Saltwater Crisis” – Kalain Hosein, Kerlon Orr (Editor) Brent Pinheiro (Drone Operator)
• Best Climate Change News Item
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreAWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “Cultivating Hope: Belize’s Seaweed Farming Industry Takes Root” – Reporter Hipolito Novelo; Videographer Darrel Moguel
• Best Climate Change Investigative Report
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreAWARD: News Room Inc (Guyana) “Washed Away: People Who Help Protect the Turtles Are Losing Their Home” – by Vishani Ragobeer and Shaconeil Burnette
  SPECIAL MENTION: CNC3 News (Trinidad & Tobago) “Why is it Flooding?” – by Kalain Hosein
• Best Production on Land Degradation Neutrality 
  Sponsored by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land ManagementAWARD: News Room Inc (Guyana) “Why is Guyana Spending Big To Replant Patches In Its Forest” – Neil Marks, Shatanand Anude
• Financial Literacy Journalism
  Sponsored by SagicorAWARD: Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (Barbados) “Newspulse Episode 4: Financial Health with Exchange Museum” – Stacey N. Russell
• Health Education Journalism
  Sponsored by SagicorAWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “Bridging the Gaps of Mental Illness Treatment” – Reporter – Paul Lopez; Videographer – Chris Mangar

THEME AWARDS (DIGITAL)

• Best News Story on Poverty Reduction & Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund AWARD: News Room Inc (Guyana) “The Women Running Forestry Operations in Guyana” – by Neil Marks and Yusuf Ali
  SPECIAL MENTION: News Room Inc (Guyana) “Guyana’s Carbon Credits Deal” – by Vishani Ragobeer
• Excellence in Responsible Reporting on Youth Involvement in Crime 
  Sponsored by CariSECURE 2.0AWARD: Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (Barbados) “The Tropical Journey of a Firearm” – by Esther Jones
  SPECIAL MENTION: Caribbean Investigative Journalism Network (Barbados) “Mental Break” – by Esther Jones
• Best Climate Change Investigative Report 
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreAWARD: News Room Inc (Guyana) “Money From Trees: Amerindian Chiefs Say Rights not Violated” – Neil Marks and Shatanand Anude

THEME AWARDS (PRINT)

• Coverage of Healthy Nutrition Food Policy 
  Sponsored by Healthy Caribbean CoalitionAWARD: The Nation Publishing Company (Barbados) “It’s War” – Donna Sealy
  SPECIAL MENTION: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Hungry Belly Children Can’t Learn” – Andre Williams
• Best News Story on Poverty Reduction & Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Development Bank Basic Needs Trust Fund AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Gulotta Calls for Removal of Mentally Ill Persons from Prisons” – Andre Williams
  SPECIAL MENTION: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (The Star – Jamaica) “Seaview Gardens Jackson 5” – Simone Morgan-Lindo
• Excellence in Responsible Reporting on Trafficking in Persons
  Sponsored by CariSECURE 2.0SPECIAL MENTION: Trinidad Express “Bond Clears the Air: Human Trafficking Controversy” – Anna Ramdass
• Best Climate Change News Item
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreSPECIAL MENTION: Guardian Newspaper (Trinidad & Tobago) “History at COP 28: Loss and Damage Fund Adopted” –Kalain Hosein
• Best Climate Change Investigative Report
  Sponsored by the Caribbean Community Climate Change CentreAWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “These Classrooms Are Furnaces” – Sashana Small
• Best Article on Land Degradation Neutrality
  Sponsored by the Partnership Initiative for Sustainable Land ManagementAWARD: Jamaica Observer “Save the Mangroves” – by Romardo Lyons
• Financial Literacy Journalism
  Sponsored by SagicorAWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Breaking the Cycle of Old Age Poverty”– Sashana Small
  SPECIAL MENTION: Trinidad Express “TT Falls Victim to Get Rich Quick Scheme” – Melissa Maynard
  SPECIAL MENTION: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica Gleaner) “Rita Threw Away Nearly 1BN” – Jovan Johnson
• Health Education Journalism
  Sponsored by SagicorAWARD: Trinidad Express “Who Cares for the Disabled? Developmental Disability and Access to Public Health Care” – Khamarie Rodriquez

CONTENT CREATION AWARDS

• Best Social Media Content Creator
  AWARD: Government Information Service, Barbados – Mikul Elcock, Aisha Reid and Tyson Henry
  
• Best Videographer
  SPECIAL MENTION: News Room Inc (Guyana) – Shaconeil Burnette
  
• Best Producer (TV) 
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Jamaica) – Khadene Foote
  SPECIAL MENTION: Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (Barbados) – Stacey Russell
  
• Best Director (TV)
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited – Rick Romero
  
• Best Sound Engineer (Radio)
  AWARD: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica 94FM) “Behind the Headlines: Year in Review Part 4” – by Giovanni Dennis
  SPECIAL MENTION: RJRGLEANER Communications Group (Radio Jamaica 94FM) “Lights, Camera, Action” – by Dadrian Gordon
• Best Sound Engineer (TV)
  AWARD: Great Belize Productions Limited “Open Your Eyes: Steel Band Performance” – Luis Sosa

The post Winners of NGC 35^th Caribbean Media Awards Announced appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

The 90-minute session will feature a panel comprising representatives from three media houses from Barbados and Belize – StarCom Network, Great Belize Productions Limited, Channel 5 and Channel 7 Belize; and TNC Caribbean and TNC Belize. The media representatives will present stories that journalists from their newsrooms produced on various aspects of coral reefs and the rationale behind their pieces.

The full panel for the Coral Reef Showcase includes Anthony Greene – General Manager of Starcom Network, Barbados; Hipolito Novelo – Great Belize Productions Limited, Channel 5, Belize; Jose Sanchez – Channel 7/ Belize, and Julie Robinson – Country Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Belize. Dr Cleveland Sam, Marketing and Communications Director, TNC Caribbean will moderate the session.

The objectives of the session include sensitizing media professionals and executives to the importance of coral reefs to the hazard risk and economic resilience of the region; to raise awareness of the types of coral reef stories media houses are reporting; to highlight media coverage of coral reefs in the Caribbean as best practice; to present aspects of TNC’s coral reef work to a Caribbean media executive and journalists audience and to positively influence future coverage of coral reef stories in the Caribbean media.

“The Nature Conservancy is grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Caribbean Broadcasting Union to recognize excellence in reporting on environmental and conservation issues in the Caribbean,” explained Dr. Rob Brumbaugh, TNC Caribbean Executive Director. “We especially appreciate the opportunity to interact with journalists and media executives from the Caribbean during its 55^th AGA in Belize. Participating in the Coral Reef Showcase provides TNC with a platform to deepen our relationships with Caribbean media houses and to share insights about the importance of conserving and restoring coral reefs habitats, especially in the face of a rapidly changing climate. The media is a critical audience for us and key to helping society understand the significance of investing in nature.”

CBU President Dr. Claire Grant, welcomed the partnership with The Nature Conservancy, hailing its support and work building media capacity in the critical area.  She said, “CBU selected the theme “Media and the Environment” for this year’s Assembly because with partners like TNC we can advocate for the survival of one of the most vulnerable regions in the world.”

To register for the CBU Assembly and be a part of the Conference Day session hosted by the Nature Conservancy go to www.caribroadcastunion.org/aga55 for more information.

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The post CBU 55TH ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY – DELEGATES TOUR appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

The Opening Ceremony on Monday, August 12 will be addressed by Prime Minister of Belize, the Hon. John Briceno MP – Keynote Speaker and CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett – Guest Speaker.

The Conference Day on Tuesday, August 13 will have as its keynote speakers, the Hon. Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management and Dr Colin Young, Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre

Register today  https://www.caribroadcastunion.org/aga55/ and for further information contact info@caribroadcastunion.org.

The post CBU Announces The Keynote Speakers For Its 55th Annual General Assembly appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.

It is with great excitement that we warmly invite you to join us for the 55th Annual General Assembly of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (

Nestled between Mexico, Guatemala, and the Caribbean Sea, Belize boasts a rich blend of cultures, pristine natural beauty, and warm hospitality. It was once called “Mother Nature’s Best Kept Secret,” but now its reputation for pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and the incredible Belize Barrier Reef has spread worldwide. The reef is even recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

One of Belize’s highlights is its incredible diversity. With a population of around 400,000, Belize is home to several ethnic groups, including Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, East Indian, and more. This cultural melting pot offers a unique and enriching experience, immersing visitors in vibrant traditions, rhythmic music, energetic dance, and mouthwatering local cuisine.  

The CBU Annual General Assembly presents an excellent opportunity for members to unite, share knowledge, and collaborate on critical regional issues impacting the broadcasting community. The agenda will feature insightful keynotes, engaging panels, and valuable networking to help delegates connect with industry experts, policymakers, and fellow broadcasters.

In addition to the dynamic program, we look forward to offering exceptional cultural and recreational activities to showcase Belize’s treasures. Attendees can explore ancient Mayan sites, embark on thrilling jungle adventures, discover our spectacular underwater world while snorkeling or diving, or indulge in traditional, unique Belizean cuisine. We’re confident these experiences will leave lasting impressions and unforgettable memories.

Belize eagerly awaits the chance to welcome you! Come #BelizeIt!

The post Save the Date – CBU 55th Annual General Assembly appeared first on Caribbean Broadcasting Union.