Selection of laureates begins with the nomination form, available here.
From there, nominations are sent to the Country Nominating Committees (there are 5 CNCs, spanning the Caribbean) for research and preparation of candidate dossiers.
Finally, the Eminent Persons Panel hears presentations on shortlisted candidates and adjudicates on final selections. Laureates are announced and later awarded.
Each CNC (Country Nominating Committee) 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. Following selection, the Programme Director confirms the Awardees’ willingness to accept the Awards.
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:
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 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.
