August 17, 2026 — Following widespread public discussion surrounding the staging of the Tobago Youth Awards 2026, the Division of Youth Empowerment and Sport (DYES) has issued an official statement thanking the public for its engagement while committing to comprehensive internal reviews to strengthen future editions of the gala.
The awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, August 12, at the Magdalena Grand Beach and Golf Resort, recognized 19 outstanding young Tobagonians across sectors including education, agriculture, media, entrepreneurship, and community service. However, feedback emerged across social media and public platforms regarding logistical aspects, event flow, and award category criteria.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
In response to community discourse, the Division affirmed that public feedback is a vital element of good governance and youth development:
- Constructive Review: The Division noted that all constructive criticisms—ranging from ceremony execution to nomination transparency—are being actively assessed by the organizing committee.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Future editions will feature expanded consultations with youth advocacy groups, community councils, and past award recipients to ensure the adjudication process reflects evolving youth achievements.
- Honoring Excellence: Despite logistical critiques, officials emphasized that the core objective remains honoring the undeniable talent of Tobago’s youth, such as UN Young Leader Anthurium Lewis, who secured three honors on the night.
Secretary of Youth Empowerment and Sport, Keigon Denoon, reiterated that the Division’s mandate is rooted in accountability and growth, ensuring that each subsequent event sets a higher standard of excellence for the island’s young achievers.
