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Caribbean Global Leader (People’s Choice) Crowned as First Female Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago Tops Fiercely Competitive List of 30 Influential Icons

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In a resounding affirmation of people power across the Caribbean and its global diaspora, The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, has been officially crowned the Caribbean Global Leader (People’s Choice) 2025.

This award, born out of a transparent process and fortified by credibility, was decided by the people. A record-breaking number of votes poured in from across continents, fuelled by passion and pride. Standing behind the voting process was an independent panel of 15 distinguished judges, observers, and adjudicators spanning the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and Africa — ensuring the integrity and transparency of every ballot cast.

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Why Kamla’s Victory Matters

Persad-Bissessar’s triumph is more than symbolic. It reflects the Caribbean people’s unwavering desire for leadership that resonates with empathy, intellect, and international gravitas. At a time of global uncertainty, her legacy of trailblazing as the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago has once again united Caribbean nationals across borders.

Her victory shines even brighter when seen against an exceptional field of nominees that included prime ministers, presidents, cultural icons, athletes, and intellectuals.

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The Top Five

1. Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC – Trinidad and Tobago
2. Hon. Ralph Gonsalves – St. Vincent & the Grenadines
3. Hon. Mia Amor Mottley SC – Barbados
4. Most Hon. Andrew Holness – Jamaica
5. H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali – Guyana

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Full List of Influential Caribbean Figures (2025 People’s Choice Top 30)

Rank	Title	Name	Country of Heritage
1	Prime Minister	Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC	Trinidad and Tobago
2	Prime Minister	Hon. Ralph Gonsalves	St. Vincent & the Grenadines
3	Prime Minister	Hon. Mia Amor Mottley SC	Barbados
4	Prime Minister	Most Hon. Andrew Holness	Jamaica
5	President	H.E. Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali	Guyana
6	Prime Minister	Hon. Philip Edward Davis KC	The Bahamas
7	Vice Chancellor	Sir Hilary Beckles	Barbados
8	Sportsman	Usain Bolt	Jamaica
9	Politician	Lisa Hanna	Jamaica
10	Premier	Hon. Mark A. G. Brantley	Nevis
11	Prime Minister	Hon. Dickon Amiss T. Mitchell	Grenada
12	Prime Minister	Hon. Philip J. Pierre	St. Lucia
13	Opposition Leader	Hon. Penelope Beckles-Robinson	Trinidad and Tobago
14	Singer	Vybz Kartel	Jamaica
15	Prime Minister	Hon. Gaston Browne	Antigua & Barbuda
16	Singer	Rihanna	Barbados
17	Singer	Joe Dwèt Filé	France/Martinique Heritage
18	Chef	José Enrique	Puerto Rico
19	President	Sylvanie Burton	Dominica
20	President	H.E. Chandrikapersad Santokhi	Suriname
21	Novelist	Caryl Phillips	St. Kitts and Nevis
22	Cricketer	Shivnarine Chanderpaul	Guyana
23	Scientist	Dr. Camille Wardrop Alleyne	Trinidad and Tobago
24	Governor General	Sir Rodney Williams	Antigua & Barbuda
25	Footballer	Emanuel Vermignon	Martinique
26	Film Director	Kareem Mortimer	The Bahamas
27	Doctor	Dr. Cindy M. Duke	Trinidad and Tobago
28	Archaeologist	Dr. Krysta Ryzewski	Montserrat
29	Footballer	Krisean Lopez	Belize
30	Calypsonian	JAMU	Grenada
31	Celebrity	Derek Luke	Guyana
32	Scientist	Dr. Judith Mendes	Jamaica
33	Film Director	Michael Lees	Dominica
34	Footballer	Claudio Benoît Beauvue	Guadeloupe
35	Singer/Songwriter	Heather Nova	Bermuda
36	Entrepreneur	Jeffrey Preston Bezos (Cuban roots)	Cuba
37	Ex-President (SLWA)	Jo Marie Zakour	Trinidad and Tobago
38	Doctor	Dr. Jason Haynes	St. Vincent & the Grenadines

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Caribbean Pride on Global Stage

The People’s Choice Award has made history by putting the voice of the Caribbean people front and centre. From cricket lovers in Guyana to music fans in Jamaica, from academics in Barbados to entrepreneurs in Cuba, this list reflects the breadth, talent, and resilience of Caribbean influence worldwide.

This is more than an award — it is a movement of pride and empowerment.