Winners Announced at Record-Breaking 35th Caribbean Media Awards

The Caribbean Media Awards achieved new milestones on Tuesday night, announcing a record-breaking 484 submissions from 34 organisations across 13 Caribbean countries. This year’s 35th annual awards ceremony was held on August 13^th at the Umaya Hotel in Placencia. The gala, celebrating top media talent across 55 categories, was broadcast live on Channel Five.

As it showcased the region’s dynamic media industry, the event celebrated both traditional media and emerging media forms. Awards were sponsored by several organizations, including UNDP, the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre, and the Healthy Caribbean Coalition, reflecting the growing emphasis on climate action.

RJRGLEANER Communications Group from Jamaica led with sixteen awards and four special mentions. Great Belize Productions – Channel 5 followed with eight awards and two special mentions.

Channel 5’s accolades included Best Climate Change News Item for “Cultivating Hope: Belize’s Seaweed Farming Industry Takes Root,” Best Climate Change Documentary for “Don’t Tax My Femininity,” and Best News Story for “A Competency-Based Approach to Education in Belize.” They were also awarded Best Sports Story, Best Investigative Report, and Best Commercial Spot (Television). Additionally, Rick Romero was named Best Director (TV), and Luis Sosa was recognised as Best Sound Engineer (TV). This year’s competition set a new record with 484 submissions from 34 organisations across 13 Caribbean nations.

Newcomers included the Nation Newspaper of Barbados and the Cayman Islands Department of Communication, which received a special mention.

With a growing membership, the Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) expanded this year’s awards to include digital and print content. The event also announced a new partnership for the 56th Annual General Assembly with the Caribbean Culture Fund for the 2025 awards, which will be held in Barbados.