Award: Excellence in Youth Empowerment Award
Award Description: This award celebrates an individual who is deeply invested in the holistic development of young people, preparing them for success in life and fostering the next generation of leaders.
Ms. Jarrece RobertsJarrece Roberts is a self-motivated and detail-oriented final-year BSc Accounting student at the University of the West Indies Global Campus. With four years of entrepreneurial experience as the owner and operator of Sewingella in St. Vincent, Jarrece has honed skills in inventory management, customer service, financial reporting, and tax compliance. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and inventory management software, Jarrece manages all aspects of the business, from bookkeeping to client relations.
Age: 20 Address: Clare Valley
Ms. Christel SutherlandChristel Sutherland is a 15-year-old student at the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Girls’ High School. She has distinguished herself as both a leader and active community member. As the founder of Shiloh’s Book Club for Girls, Christel brings together young girls from her community of Park Hill to foster a love for reading. She is also a Patrol Leader in the No.1 Kingstown Girl Guides Company and an active member of the Streams of Power Sans Souci Youth Group, where she serves as Youth Sunday Chairperson.Her accomplishments include multiple awards in public speaking and science fairs, notably winning the No. 1 Kingstown Girl Guides Public Speaking Competition (2021, 2023) and the St. Vincent Electricity Services Science Fair (2022, 2023). Additionally, she received the GHS SOL Award for academic excellence and leadership. Christel’s talents as a poet and dancer have been showcased at various community events and she continues to inspire through her dedication and positive impact.
Age: 15 Address: Park Hill
Ms. Reena SamuelReena A. Samuel is a dedicated professional with a passion for fostering growth in the global value chain to support business development. With four years of experience in the policy environment of international trade, Reena currently serves as a Trade Officer for the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In this role, she collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to shape national policies, has co-published the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Import-Export Guide, and actively participates in public relations through radio, television, and symposiums. Holding a BSc in International Relations from the University of the West Indies and a Diploma in Regional Trade Policy, Reena brings strong skills in strategic planning, media relations, and a solid understanding of World Trade Organization agreements to her work.
Age: 29 Address: Vermont
Ms. Rianka ChanceRianka Chance is a passionate young leader focused on public service, youth advocacy, and personal growth. A recent graduate of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College, she has excelled academically. Her professional experience includes roles as a Data Entry Clerk for the World Food Programme and a Youth Advisory Group Member for the United Nations in Barbados & the OECS. A mental health advocate, Rianka serves as the LUI & UNICEF Mental Health Focal Point and co-authored the Young Caribbean Minds Mental Health Workbook. Active in nonprofit and volunteer work, she holds leadership roles as Public Relations Officer for DMV-SVG Mutual Aid Relief and Council Member of SVGCC’s Economics Club. As the 2022 U.S. Youth Ambassador for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, she launched a debate program for local students. Rianka’s collaborative spirit, recognized through multiple awards and certificates, reflects her commitment to positive community impact and youth empowerment.
Age: 19 Address: Diamond Estate
Mr. Khyle BrowneKhyle is a committed quantity surveyor focused on advancing construction management and youth empowerment in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Technology, Jamaica, he has gained valuable experience working with respected firms such as Markland Gordan and Associates Limited and Browne’s Valuation and Quantity Surveying Services. Khyle is currently a Quantity Surveyor at the Ministry of Transport and also serves as Maintenance Manager at K&K Investments Ltd. He is actively involved in nonprofit work, including the creation of a youth development program with Browne’s Initiative Program. As a former representative for St. Vincent and the Grenadines at the Global Young Leaders Conference, Khyle remains dedicated to supporting community development and equipping the next generation with resilience and essential career skills.
Age: 19 Address: Rivulet
Ms. Pallavi BrownePallavi Browne is a passionate advocate for youth development with a proven track record of impactful leadership, community service, and diplomacy. She serves as an Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Consumer Affairs, where she plays a pivotal role in strengthening relationships between St. Vincent and the Grenadines and its diplomatic partners.
In September 2020, Pallavi served as Assistant Director for the "Fashion under the Stars" charity event with House of Ellis. This event was designed to hone the skills of young and upcoming designers by providing them with a platform to showcase their creativity. Additionally, it offered opportunities for many youth in the community to display their talents, including performances in dance and other art forms. Pallavi's leadership ensured the seamless coordination of recruitment, logistics, volunteer management, and designer support, contributing to the event's success and impact on the community.
Beyond her professional responsibilities, Pallavi is an influencer with the LOUD Initiative, engaging young people in addressing social challenges and crime prevention. She is a dedicated Guider within the Girl Guides Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and the 1st Sandy Bay Girl Guide Company, where she mentors scores of young girls in leadership and life skills, empowering the next generation of leaders. She is also a member of the Regional Integration and Foreign Policy Sector on the Prime Ministerial Advisory Council on Youth.
Her leadership extends to the community, where she has spearheaded impactful initiatives such as the Pallavi and Friends Christmas Party for Children, the Back-to-School Treat Initiative, and the Literacy through Transformative Teaching (LI.T.T) project (2022), all of which focus on improving education, literacy, and community well-being.
Pallavi has been recognised with the Pan Against Crime Award (2010) and the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards (Bronze & Silver)(2018). She also has certifications in Understanding Protocol and Diplomacy (2024), Bilateral Diplomacy (2023), and Multilateral Diplomacy (2022).
She has also served as a Member of UWI-UNESCO (2020–2021), the External Affairs Committee (Mona Guild) (2019–2020), and member of the Georgetown Cultural Group (2013–2015). Additionally, she contributed to youth development as a Tutor with the Georgetown Steel Orchestra (2011–2014).
Pallavi's commitment to service, advocacy, and leadership exemplifies the qualities of a transformative leader and a true champion for young people in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Age: 26 Address: Georgetown
