Senator Michael Freeland hailed 25 young achievers honoured at the 2025 National Youth Awards, calling them symbols of possibility and central to Antigua and Barbuda’s future development.

The ceremony, held at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, recognised 16 National Youth Awardees and nine Youth Ambassador Awardees for contributions in areas including entrepreneurship, education, tourism, agriculture and sports.

Freeland told attendees the awards represent more than past accomplishments, describing them as “a charge to go further, aim higher, and commit yourselves to even greater impact.”

He said the government is continuing efforts to expand opportunities for youth, citing investments in education, the growth of the Five Islands Campus, regional and international scholarship access, and support for young entrepreneurs through capital programmes and collaboration with the Department of Youth.

Freeland also highlighted gender-inclusive policies, noting initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls while ensuring young men are not left behind.

“You are the vanguard of a new generation,” Freeland said. “Connect, collaborate, innovate, and shape Antigua and Barbuda into not just a regional leader, but an international leader across every field you represent.”

He urged the awardees to build bridges between generations and to leverage available platforms to elevate their ambitions, adding that youth leadership is critical as the country confronts challenges such as climate change.

“May tonight inspire you to continue breaking barriers and building dreams,” he said, congratulating all honourees on their achievements.