Gleaner reporter cops UNFPA gold

The Gleaner's Tyrone Reid is among seven Caribbean journalists who copped top positions in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) media awards for outstanding work in journalism.

They were awarded for their work "to educate and empower national and regional audiences to make informed choices" during the annual Caribbean Population Awards ceremony at the La Boucan, Trinidad Hilton Hotel, on Tuesday.

Two other Jamaican journalists were recognised - Carol Francis for television and Sheryl Johnson, the only winner in the radio category.

Reid was awarded gold, which is second place in the print category.

Belizeans Jules Vasquez and Janelle Chanona were also winners in the television category, while other print winners were Michelle Loubon of Trinidad and Tobago and Guyanese Judy H. Fitzpatrick.

Cash prizes

The journalists received cash prize awards ranging from US$1,000 to US$2,500.

A total of 50 media practitioners submitted compelling radio, television and print entries, all vying for platinum, gold or silver awards in each category.

In addition, eight entries were received in the non-media category from non-governmental organisa-tions vying for a single award in recognition of their work to improve the quality of life of the people served.

The award was given to the National Women's Commission of Belize, which won US$10,000 for its work on gender equality, equity and women's empowerment in that country.

"We are delighted to see that, in many countries of the Caribbean, several journalists continue to take on a range of population issues, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender and gender-based violence, migration, human trafficking, population ageing, climate change and emergencies," said Dan Baker, the director of the UNFPA sub-regional office for the Caribbean.