Caribbean
Personalities

The Order of the Caribbean Community is an award given to "Caribbean nationals whose legacy in the economic, political, social and cultural metamorphoses of Caribbean society is phenomenal" The award was initiated at the Eighth (8th) Conference of Heads of State and Governments of CARICOM in 1987 and began bestowal in 1992. Decisions as to award are taken by the Advisory Committee for the Order of the Caribbean Community The Insignia of the O.C.C. set in gold and the Ribbon of the Order are presented to those honoured. Privileges and entitlements There are some privileges and entitlements invested upon the recipients. Some of these are as follows: The award confers the styling The Honourable upon the recipient and Post-nominals O.C.C. Members of the Order are accorded the privilege of free movement among Member States of the Community and are issued with a travel document which is assigned similar status to a diplomatic passport. The right to reside in and be gainfully employed in any Member State, as well as the right to acquire and dispose of property, as would citizens of Member States, are entitlements granted to Members of the Order.

In 1983, at a meeting of Ministers of Women’s Affairs to commemorate CARICOM's Tenth Anniversary, it was recommended that the Community confer an Award to an outstanding CARICOM woman whose work had made a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the Caribbean. The CARICOM Secretariat subsequently introduced the CARICOM Triennial Award for Women.

The CARICOM Farmer of the Year Award recognises exemplary agricultural producers who demonstrate innovation, productivity, and sustainability in food and agricultural systems. The award underscores the strategic importance of agriculture in regional food security, economic resilience, and rural development, particularly within the framework of regional initiatives such as agricultural transformation and import reduction.

The CARICOM Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) Award recognizes women making outstanding contributions to energy efficiency, resilience, and renewable energy in the Caribbean. Launched to advance gender diversity in the clean energy transition, it honors excellence in sectors like business, policy, and utilities, often awarded during CARICOM Energy Month. 

Key details about the WISE award include:

   Categories: The award recognizes efforts in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Finance; Social Impact, Community and Advocacy; Policy and Regulations; and Utilities and Industry.
   Award Goal: The initiative aims to highlight the crucial role of women in the region's energy transition, celebrating innovation and dedication, according to CARICOM's Facebook post.
   Partnership: The award is organized by the CARICOM Secretariat and the CCREEE, often supported by partners like the Caribbean Development Bank and GIZ.

The WISE award frequently pairs with the Sustainable Energy Youth Awards (SEYA), which targets leaders aged 16 to 35. Nominations generally occur annually, with awards presented to individuals contributing to sustainable energy at local, regional, or international levels

The CARICOM Sustainable Energy Youth Award (SEYA) recognizes Caribbean residents aged 16–35 for outstanding contributions to sustainable energy and climate resilience. Launched to promote a gender-inclusive energy transition, it highlights innovative youth leaders, often alongside the Women in Sustainable Energy (WISE) award. 

Key Aspects of the SEYA Award:

Purpose: To shine a spotlight on young trailblazers in the Caribbean’s sustainable energy sector and encourage youth leadership in energy transition.

The Ministers of Agriculture Award for the Young Farmer of the Year seeks to promote, foster and support young agri-preneurs who have excelled and demonstrated the financial viability of the agri-food sector throughout the Region. It seeks to highlight and publicise creativity, innovation and the application of sound business and agriculture practices in all areas of the farming enterprise in achieving sustainability. Additionally, such an award is expected to contribute towards the paradigm shift relative to younger persons becoming new entrants in the agricultural sector.