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Commonwealth Young Solomon Islander of the Year Award

2008 Commonwealth Day Celebrations were a very special occasion for the youth of Solomon Islands

Solomon Islands Governor-General HE Sir Nathaniel Waena officially launched the 'Young Solomon Islander of the Year Award'.

The aim of the Award, according to Sushil Ram, Programme Manager at Commonwealth Youth Programme South Pacific Centre (CYP SPC), is to create a prestigious award to celebrate and recognize the greatest young achievers in the Solomon Islands. “This Award has been developed by the CYP SP Centre in line with the Commonwealth Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment which calls on the development of award schemes for excellence in achievement in order to promote positive role models and foster young people’s self–esteem” said Mr Sushil Ram.

The award has been instituted in partnership with the Australia Youth Trust, Solomon Islands Ministry of Women, Youth & Children's Affairs and other sponsors. The Awards programme seeks to promote active citizenship by honouring and profiling outstanding young Solomon Islanders, to recognise those who have made outstanding achievements in their field, who are inspirational role models and have contributed in a significant way to Solomon Islands.

Nomination will be sought from Solomon Islands young people of excellence from all backgrounds and all fields of endeavour including community service, humanitarian, business, science and technology, arts and entertainment, sport, education and environment.

In selecting the Young Solomon Islander of the Year, regard will be given to the nominee's achievements in the year immediately prior to the receipt of the Award, as well as their past achievements and ongoing contribution to the community and to their country and who could be an inspirational role model for the Solomon Islands and the Pacific community.

The selection panels will also give consideration to the following in assessing and comparing nominations against the above criteria:

• Personal, academic and professional achievements 
• Contribution in the relevant field (how has the nominee ‘put back' into their field to benefit others)
• Demonstrated leadership, innovation and creativity
• Personal interests and community involvement
• Contribution to the community and nation
• Contribution to development of regional community and/or economy
• Future goals and likely impact
• Degree of difficulty of the achievement and sacrifices made
• Previous awards and recognition
• Voluntary work beyond paid employment
• Nature and length of activity or service
• Achievements as an individual or as part of a group or organisation
• Availability and commitment to promote national pride and active citizenship through the year of the recipient's appointment.
• In ensuring that the Young Solomon Islander of the Year Awards recipients are representative of our diverse region, additional consideration will be given to gender, age, remote, regional, city locations and field of endeavour.

The award will have five phases; phase one is the call for Nomination, phase two being the receipt and Processing of Nomination, phase three will be the selection by the National Selection Committee, phase four will be the National Announcement Functions, and phase five will be the Tour of Honour that the recipient will take to profile the recipient and build the recognition of the Awards through community events and publicity. The award will be given out on an annual basis. Similar award will also be instituted in the other pacific island countries later this year.