The prestigious GUBA Awards made a historic Caribbean debut on Wednesday evening, as the 16th edition of the black-tie affair was hosted for the first time in the region at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Hotel. The landmark event drew an esteemed audience, including President of Barbados, Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Prunella Mason; His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene; and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell.
Centred on the theme Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew., the GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build Africa) 2025 Awards celebrated outstanding achievements of people of African descent across the globe.
His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II described the hosting of GUBA in Barbados as “a truly historic moment,” symbolising a long-awaited reunion between Africa and the Caribbean.
“As we gather for the 16th edition of GUBA Awards, hosted here in the heart of the Caribbean for the first time, we are not merely attending a ceremony or an event,” he stated. “We are fulfilling a mission, reclaiming our Atlantic destiny: connect, build and renew.”
He added that the event’s theme reflected “a shared resilience… a shared presence of opportunity and a shared future of prosperity that we must actively create together.”
Lady Dentaa Amoateng, British-Ghanaian actress, entrepreneur, and founder of GUBA Enterprises, underscored the need for stronger unity and representation across the African and Caribbean diaspora.
“Representation is not a luxury. It is a responsibility,” she stressed. “When voices are missing from the table, decisions are made without understanding… and opportunities are distributed without equality.”
She extended gratitude to sponsors and the GUBA team for ensuring a successful event.
A major honouree of the evening was Dr Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, who received the Black Star of Excellence in Vanguard Economic Leadership. In accepting the award, Dr Greenidge expressed deep appreciation for those who supported his journey.
“This recognition belongs not to me alone, but to everyone who has been part of my journey,” he said. “Together, we prove that with belief, support, and determination, extraordinary things are possible.”
Other Black Star Award recipients included:
Maya Kirti-Nanan, 21-year-old Trinidadian autism advocate (Autism Siblings and Friends Network)
Sir Clive Lloyd, Guyanese cricket legend (Sporting Excellence & Legacy)
Dr Velma Scantlebury, Barbadian-born transplant surgeon (Transformational Impact in Medicine)
Sir Richard Branson (Global Citizenship Icon)
Clare Akamanzi (Exceptional Leadership)
John Hope Bryant (Global Impact – Investment)
Reta Jo Lewis (Global Economic Leadership)
Ibrahim Mahama (Impact in Visual Arts)
Derrick Johnson (Global Impact – Civil Rights)
The ceremony also featured vibrant cultural performances, including a set by British-Ghanaian artist Fuse ODG and a TrufacebyGrace fashion showcase blending traditional and contemporary Afro-Caribbean styles.
Since its inception, the GUBA Awards have been hosted in the UK, USA, Ghana, and Rwanda. Lady Dentaa hinted that the Awards may return to the Caribbean in 2027, signalling continued efforts to strengthen the bonds across the Atlantic.
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