Ryan Robinson Perinchief has become the first Bermudian to be nominated for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for development work in the community.

Mr Perinchief, who runs the Future Leaders Bermuda programme for Bermuda’s youth, is one of four regional finalists representing the Caribbean and Canada for the Excellence in Development Work 2019 category.

Future Leaders Bermuda encourages debate among young people on issues including poverty, employment and education.

The Commonwealth award recognises those aged 15 to 29 whose projects are making a significant contribution to communities and towards sustainable development.

Entrepreneurs, innovators and social activists are among the 16 finalists chosen by a pan-Commonwealth adjudication panel of judges, convened by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

This year, the awards attracted five hundred nominations from 45 countries. Those shortlisted will be invited to attend the Commonwealth Youth Awards ceremony in London on 13 March, 2019 at the Commonwealth Secretariat Headquarters.

One will be chosen as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2019.

In addition to a financial grant to scale up their development work, finalists will each be awarded a trophy and certificate.