The Selection Process

The Selection Process

Based on the guidance of the Regional Eminent Persons Selection Panel (EPP), Country Nominating Committees (CNCs) will be established. The CNCs will be responsible for identifying and proposing candidates in each of the award categories. Nominations  for 2018 Awards will close on March 31, 2017.

Members of the public may also propose candidates, using a Nomination Form

Each CNC is responsible for identifying and evaluating potential candidates in each Category. The process typically starts with a briefing by the Programme Director and EPP member. Each CNC selects a chairman and develop their search process using their knowledge of and contacts in their respective fields.
EPP Members may attend the initial briefing meeting, but they must excuse themselves from all nomination discussions, to ensure no potential conflicts of interest in the final evaluation and selection.

The Programme Director works with each CNC to support and facilitate the selection process. It is the responsibility of each CNC to recommend three candidates to the EPP, ideally one for each category.Programme Researchers will validate the curriculum vitae, and undertake reference checks of the finalists. Information on the candidates, together with a presentation by each CNC Chairman, will be made to the EPP.

The nominations will be adjudicated by the EPP, headed by Sir Shridath Ramphal.

Following selection, the Programme Director confirms the Awardees’ willingness to accept the Awards.
The Laureates for each year will be announced in January of that year, and the Awards Ceremony will be held in April of the same year.

Selection Criteria

The following criteria will be used by the Country Nominating Committees to propose candidates, and by the Regional Eminent Persons Selection Panel, to select Awardees.

Candidates must demonstrate the following attributes:

1. A track record of consistently superior work that has demonstrated excellence, leadership and pioneership.
2. Their work is a benchmark and is positively referenced by others in their field.
3. The capacity for significant future achievement and likely to do so, being at the stage of life and career where this Award could help them realize their promise and potential.
4. Their work has had, or is likely to have, a positive impact in the Caribbean Region and benefit Caribbean people.
5. They are likely to be a worthy “exemplar” and must be willing and available to serve as a Caribbean model of excellence, to inspire hope, and emulation by the people of the Region.
6. They should be within the age range of 35-55 years.  Limited discretion in this matter may be exercised.
7. They should be Caribbean residents and must be Caribbean nationals.  If not at present living in the Caribbean there must be strong evidence of active involvement in the Caribbean with visible impact.

The selectors will try to identify the likely leaders of the next generation in their respective fields. Awardees are likely to have considerable career potential. While it is essential that they have already demonstrated excellence, it is critical that they have the potential to achieve even greater success in the future, with the appropriate support and encouragement. These Awards are not intended to be “lifetime achievement” Awards; they are intended to support and spur greater excellence.

Another positive feature of the Programme is its inclusiveness. In some years, some candidates may not all be Caribbean nationals. The critical distinction is that by their positive contribution and long-term, on-going involvement in the Region, they are widely accepted as a Caribbean person, and their work has had, or is likely to have, beneficial impact on the Region and its people.

Nominators and other persons serving in the Programme are not eligible for selection as awardees.

Posthumous Awards will not be given.