JCI Guyana wins multiple awards at 66th JCI West Indies Convention

– David Seales elected 2027 JCI West Indies National Executive VP

Junior Chamber International Guyana (JCI Guyana) walked away with several awards at the recently concluded 66th JCI West Indies National Convention, held in St Lucia from October 7–11, 2026.

Represented by a 22-member delegation, the team secured multiple awards with the election of Senator David Seales as the 2027 National Executive Vice President of JCI West Indies, marking a significant milestone for JCI Guyana’s representation within the regional leadership structure.
These achievements highlight the organisation’s commitment to leadership development, community impact and regional collaboration.
The awards included Best Inter-Organisational Collaboration Project, awarded to JCI Guyana and Banks DIH Future Leaders Summer Program; Best Local Individual Development Programme, awarded to the iMentor Essequibo; Best International Cooperation Project, awarded to the 2026 Peace Walk Initiative; Best Local Entrepreneurship and Business Program, awarded to Flip the Script; Most Outstanding Local President, awarded to President Gavin Thomas; Most Supportive Senator of the Year, awarded to Senator Allison Alexander; JCI West Indies Foundation and Enterprising Leader, awarded to Senator Christine Neblette; JCI West Indies Beacon Leader Award, awarded to President Gavin Thomas; Most Supportive Board Officer, awarded to National Executive Assistant Senator Gregoria Vaughn; Most Resilient Board Officer, awarded to National Vice President Senator Andrew Belle; and JCI West Indies 2026 JVC Winner, awarded to Past Vice President Patricia Melville.
In addition to its wins, JCI Guyana received finalist recognition in the Skills Development Challenge, Best Local Growth and Development Program for iMentor Berbice 2.0, and Most Outstanding Local Organisation.
Leadership development remained central to the delegation’s participation, with Vice President Ulecia Bishop, General Legal Counsel Angelisa Alexander, and Past Vice President Patricia Melville graduating from the West Indies Leadership Academy.
GLC Alexander also advanced to the final round of the Public Speaking Competition, while other delegates participated in the Debate Competition, Crisis Leadership Training and AI for JCI Leaders Training.
Beyond the convention sessions, the delegation participated in a mangrove restoration project, during which several hundred mangroves and other species were planted. Members also showcased Guyana’s culture, traditions and local products during Island Night, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening fellowship among regional organisations.
JCI Guyana extends appreciation to the Tourism, Industry and Commerce Ministry, the Guyana Office for Investment, the Guyana Tourism Authority through Discover Guyana, and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance for supporting its cultural representation at Island Night.
Reflecting on the organisation’s achievements, 2026 Local President Gavin Thomas emphasised the collective effort behind the results and the importance of continuing to develop young leaders, strengthen partnerships and deliver meaningful community initiatives.
“To every Chairperson, committee member, advisor, Senator, Board Officer and member who has contributed to our work this year, these achievements belong to you. I extend commendations and appreciation to each of you,” President Thomas said. Guided by its 2026 theme, “Igniting empowerment and impact”, JCI Guyana remains committed to building on these achievements, advancing leadership, service and positive change throughout Guyana.