Award Barbados Holds Successful 2026 Annual General Meeting

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados successfully convened its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 27 June 2026, bringing together members, Trustees, volunteers, and supporters to reflect on the achievements of the past year and chart the course for the future of the Award in Barbados.

The meeting provided members with the opportunity to receive reports on the organization's activities, finances, and governance, highlighting continued progress in delivering life-changing opportunities for young people through the Award. Members also considered several matters of strategic importance as the organization continues its efforts to expand access to the Award across Barbados.

A significant feature of this year's AGM was the election of a new National Award Council Executive, which will serve for the 2026–2028 term. Members elected the following individuals to provide leadership and governance for the organization:

• Chair: Mrs. Rhea Mapp-Bynoe

• Deputy Chair: Mr. Michael Arthur

• Ordinary Members:

  • Mr. Bem Wells

  • Ms. Jonielle Alleyne

  • Ms. Sachia Reid-Thomas

From Right to Left: Incoming Chair Mrs. Rhea Mapp Bynoe, Deputy Chair Mr Michael Arthur, Ordinary Members Mr. Bem Wells, Mr Jonielle Alleyne and Ms. Sachia Reid-Thomas

The newly elected Council assumes responsibility for guiding the strategic direction of the Award in Barbados while supporting its mission of equipping young people with the skills, resilience, confidence, and experiences they need to succeed in life.

The AGM also marked the conclusion of the outgoing Council's term of office. Members expressed their sincere appreciation for the dedication, volunteer service, and leadership demonstrated by the outgoing Council, whose stewardship has strengthened the organization and positioned it for continued growth.

During the meeting, members endorsed an ambitious vision for the future, reaffirming the organization's commitment to making the Award accessible to more young people from every community across Barbados. This endorsement provides the incoming Council with a clear mandate to continue pursuing strategic initiatives that will expand participation, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Award.

Following the election, members took the opportunity to recognize the invaluable contribution of the outgoing National Award Council, whose dedication and volunteer leadership have helped guide the organization over the past term.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the outgoing Council for their commitment, leadership, and service. Through their collective efforts, the Award has continued to strengthen its governance, expand opportunities for young people throughout Barbados, and position the organization for future growth.

Honouring a Decade of Service

A special tribute was paid to Mr. Stephen Smith, who concluded his tenure as Chair after ten years of distinguished service to The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados. Throughout his decade of leadership, Mr. Smith provided steadfast guidance, championed the values of the Award, and played an instrumental role in advancing the organization's mission and impact across the island.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Mr. Smith was presented with a token of appreciation on behalf of the organization as a symbol of the gratitude and respect of the membership. The presentation served as a fitting acknowledgment of his decade of dedicated volunteer leadership and lasting legacy.

The organization extends its heartfelt thanks to Mr. Smith and every member of the outgoing Council for their service and wishes them continued success in their future endeavours.

As the organization enters a new chapter, it does so with renewed energy, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to empowering the next generation of young people through adventure, service, skills development, and personal challenge.

We congratulate the newly elected National Award Council and thank every member, volunteer, participant, supporter, and Trustee whose continued commitment makes the Award possible. Together, we look forward to building an even stronger future for The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados.