Brand YOUth Global honours Guyana’s emerging trailblazers at 2025 Entrepreneurial Awards

A powerful wave of celebration and inspiration swept through the Pegasus Hotel’s Exhibition Centre Friday evening, as Brand YOUth Global hosted its highly anticipated 2025 Entrepreneurial Awards. The event recognised twelve dynamic young Guyanese leaders for their exceptional contributions to national development and their bold visions for a brighter future.

Titled Building Bridges, Passing Batons, the awards ceremony brought together an illustrious gathering of national and international dignitaries, including Chief Justice Roxane George, Shadow Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Nima Flue-Bess, Brigadier General (Ret’d) Edward Collins, Vice Chancellor of the University of Guyana Professor Paloma Mohamed, and Adrienne Galanek, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy. Their attendance highlighted the widespread respect for youth leadership in Guyana and the pivotal role young innovators play in the country’s continued progress.

At the heart of the evening were the NextGen 12 — a group of remarkable individuals celebrated for their impact, drive, and commitment to uplifting their communities. The 2025 awardees are:

Sade Barrow-Browne, Dr. Anna Collins, Yonnick David, Sophia Dolphin, Crystal Lam, Richard Leo, Abbigaile Loncke, Dason Anthony, Urica Primus, Sheena Scipio, Pritipaul Singh, and Garfield Southwell.

Adding to the occasion’s significance was the presence of past honourees from Brand YOUth Global’s acclaimed 40 Under 40 Awards, including standout names such as Eldon Marks, Vishnu Doerga, Rosh Khan, Evie Gurchuran, and Astell Collins. Their attendance symbolised the passing of the baton — a continuity of excellence, mentorship, and mutual support across generations of Guyanese entrepreneurs and changemakers.

The event was spearheaded by Brand YOUth Global’s visionary Founder and CEO, Selwyn Collins, whose deep dedication to youth empowerment has fuelled the organisation’s mission for years.

“For me, it was never about what was in it for me. It was about giving my best self to develop young minds who can one day develop our country,” Mr Collins shared. “I believed — and still believe — that impact doesn’t require wealth, just a willingness to give because you can.”

Mr Collins’ unwavering belief in the potential of Guyana’s youth has transformed Brand YOUth Global into a beacon of inspiration, where everyday individuals are encouraged to dream big and take bold action.

The evening’s atmosphere was elevated by the artistic touch of Lionel Luther and his team from Luther’s Events, who transformed the venue into an elegant space of celebration. Behind the scenes, the dedication of Brand YOUth Global’s team — Randy Puran, Aliyah Abel, Yaphet Jackman, and Events Coordinator Jenel Roberts — ensured the evening ran seamlessly.

But more than just an awards ceremony, the event echoed a deeper message — one of resilience, resourcefulness, relationships, and respect. It underscored how collective effort and shared vision can move a nation forward, even in the face of adversity.

As the final applause echoed through the Pegasus Hotel, it was clear that the 2025 Entrepreneurial Awards were not only about recognising past achievements but also about lighting the path ahead.