By Sue-Ann Wayow

OPPOSITION Leader Pennelope Beckles has made the top 30 list of the Caribbean Global Awards (CGA) People’s Choice Award 2025.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar was announced as overall winner on Monday night.

Beckles placed in 10th position just one above Jamaica’s Vybz Cartel.

CGA released the top 30 list on Wednesday out of 58 candidates.

Also making the list from Trinidad and Tobago was scientist Dr Camille Wardrop Alleyne in 19th position, medical doctor Dr Cindy Duke placing 22nd and  ex-president of the Syrian Lebanese Women’s Association Jo Marie Zakour in 29th position.

CGA posted on Facebook, “Out of 58 inspiring candidates who received votes, we’re also proud to acknowledge participation from across the Caribbean and beyond, including Carriacou, St Martin, Curaçao, Holland, Australia, and the Dominican Republic. Your voice matters. This is the power of unity through excellence.”

Notable recognition was also given to Haiti, Guadeloupe, Cuba, and Puerto Rico who were all represented in the top 30 list.

Persad-Bissessar topped the list of notable Caribbean personalities  including Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines Ralph Gonsalves who placed second, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley – third, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness – fourth and President of Guyana Dr Irfaan Ali who placed fifth.

Also in the line up to receive awards from Trinidad and Tobago are social media content creator Alex Cassidy and research scientist Dr Andre Cropper.

The official award ceremony is scheduled to take place with a grand masquerade party in London on September 27 at the Cumberland Hotel.