Award FAQ – Caribbean Unity Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about nominations, eligibility, judging, the Spirit of the Caribbean Ball and the Caribbean Honour Awards process.

Eligibility & Nominations

Who can be nominated?

Individuals, organisations, initiatives, projects, teams and collaborations may be nominated where they have a clear Caribbean connection and meet the criteria for the selected category.

What constitutes a Caribbean connection?

A Caribbean connection may arise through heritage, citizenship, residence, identity, the communities served, or the location and impact of the nominee’s work. For organisations and initiatives, it may also be demonstrated through their leadership, purpose, participants or principal beneficiaries.

Who can submit a nomination?

Anyone may submit a nomination, either personally or on behalf of an organisation, community group, professional body or other institution. You should have a reasonable basis for the information provided and be able to explain the nominee’s contribution.

Are self-nominations permitted?

Yes. You may nominate yourself or your own organisation. Self-nominations are assessed on the same basis as all other nominations and receive no advantage or disadvantage.

Is there a fee to submit a nomination?

No. There is no fee to submit a nomination for the Caribbean Honour Awards.

What information should a nomination include?

A nomination should clearly describe the nominee’s achievement or contribution, the people or communities who have benefited, the impact created and any supporting evidence.

What evidence can I provide in support of a nomination?

Supporting evidence may include testimonials, publications, media coverage, reports, photographs, links to online content, performance data or other material relevant to the nomination. Evidence should be proportionate and directly related to the published criteria. The strongest nominations provide clear examples of impact, achievement and contribution.

Can I save my nomination and return later?

Yes. You may save your progress and return to complete your nomination before the closing date.

Can nominations be edited after submission?

No. Once a nomination has been submitted, it cannot be amended through the nomination system. Nominators are therefore encouraged to review their submission carefully before submitting it and to ensure that all relevant information and supporting evidence has been included.

Can someone be nominated in more than one category?

Yes. A nominee may be considered in more than one category where the relevant eligibility requirements are met. Caribbean Unity Network may reassign a nomination where another category is more appropriate.

What happens if I choose the wrong category?

If a nomination appears more suitable for another category, Caribbean Unity Network may reassign it to a more appropriate category during the eligibility review process.

Will multiple nominations improve someone’s chances?

No. Decisions are based on the strength of the evidence and how well the nomination meets the published criteria, not on the number of nominations received for the same nominee.

What happens if a nomination does not include enough information?

Nominations must meet the minimum word requirement and provide sufficient evidence to enable fair assessment against the published criteria. A brief statement without supporting information is unlikely to progress to the judging stage.

What is the age range for the Rising Star Award?

Rising Star nominees must be aged between 18 to 30 on the nomination closing date, Sunday 21 March 2027.

Are posthumous nominations accepted?

Yes. Posthumous nominations may be considered where the nominee’s contribution demonstrates significant and lasting impact, service, leadership or legacy.

Can previous Award recipients be nominated again?

Yes, where the nomination demonstrates new achievements, contributions or impact since the nominee received their earlier Award.

Assessment & Judging

How are nominations assessed?

Nominations are first reviewed for completeness, eligibility and category alignment. Eligible nominations are then assessed by appointed judges against the published criteria before panel deliberation and final decisions.

Do sponsors or partners influence the results?

No. Sponsors and partners do not select nominees, determine the shortlist or decide Award recipients. Judges are required to act independently and declare any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Can judges nominate individuals or organisations?

No. Members of the judging panel are not permitted to submit nominations. This helps maintain the independence of the nomination and assessment process and avoids actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Will nominees know that they have been shortlisted before the public announcement?

Yes. If shortlisted, nominees will normally be contacted before any public announcement. At that stage, they may correct material factual inaccuracies relating to their nomination and, if they do not wish to be considered, may withdraw from the process. The organisers reserve the right to verify eligibility and participation before confirming any shortlist or award outcome.

How is the Lifetime Achievement recipient selected?

There is no separate nomination process for Lifetime Achievement. The recipient is selected from eligible nominees entered across the eleven published Award categories and considered in the context of their wider body of work and lasting legacy.

Awards Process and Key Dates

When do nominations close?

Nominations close on Sunday 21 March 2027 at 11.59pm UK time. The shortlist is scheduled to be announced on Monday 10 May 2027.

What happens after nominations close?

Following the nomination deadline of Sunday 21 March 2027 at 11.59pm (UK time), all submissions will undergo an administrative review. Eligible nominations will then be assessed against the published criteria by the appointed judges, with panel deliberations taking place during April 2027.

Proposed shortlisted nominees are expected to be contacted privately between 28 April and 7 May 2027, before any public announcement. This allows relevant information to be verified and provides individuals with an opportunity to decline public recognition should they wish to do so.

The shortlist is expected to be announced on Monday 10 May 2027. Final Award recipients will be formally recognised at the Caribbean Honour Awards, presented at the Spirit of the Caribbean Ball on Saturday 12 June 2027.

Spirit of the Caribbean Ball

Can I buy an individual ticket or reserve a table?

Yes. Individual tickets and tables of ten will be available. Booking will open after the venue contract, and ticketing arrangements have been completed.

Do shortlisted nominees have to purchase a ticket?

No. Shortlisted nominees are welcomed as guests at the Spirit of the Caribbean Ball. Recognition does not depend on a nominee’s ability to purchase a ticket, public profile or commercial relationship with Caribbean Unity Network.

Will payment plans or instalment options be available?

Yes. Flexible payment options will be available. Full terms will be provided through the approved ticketing platform.

Are travel and accommodation included?

Travel, accommodation and other personal expenses are not included unless Caribbean Unity Network confirms otherwise in writing.

How can I discuss accessibility requirements or reasonable adjustments?

Accessibility information will be provided with the event and ticketing details. Guests may also contact Caribbean Unity Network to discuss individual requirements and reasonable adjustments.

Contact & Further Information

If your question is not answered here, please contact Caribbean Unity Network and we will be happy to assist.

Where can I ask a question about my nomination?

Please email enquiries@caribbeanunitynetwork.com before the nomination deadline. Caribbean Unity Network can explain the process but cannot write, improve or endorse a nomination.