KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a milestone recognition for youth leadership across the Commonwealth, two Jamaican change-makers have earned a spot among the 100 outstanding young leaders named in the 2026 Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth Trust (QECT) 100 Young Leaders Awards, the British High Commission in Kingston announced Tuesday.
The honorees bring vastly different but equally impactful work to the cohort: Nicholas Kee, founder and executive director of Kee Farms Jamaica, who has pioneered regenerative climate solutions that span both ocean and land ecosystems; and Zantaye Thomas, founder and executive director of Sign Clubs of Jamaica, a leading advocate for marginalized deaf communities across the island.
Kee’s initiatives bridge local fisher communities, regional academic institutions and global industry partners to turn ambitious climate action frameworks into tangible outcomes: sustainable livelihoods for coastal populations, rigorous biodiversity research, and new green investment opportunities that benefit both people and the planet. Beyond his on-the-ground work, he also dedicates time to mentoring the next generation of young leaders, encouraging youth to take charge of climate and tech-focused innovation.
For her part, Thomas has centered her work on advancing deaf inclusion, cultural recognition, and accessibility across Jamaica. A First-Class Honours graduate of The University of the West Indies Mona campus and a sitting National Youth Parliamentarian, Thomas leverages media outreach and targeted advocacy to amplify the voices of marginalized groups, while motivating young people to lead with authenticity, clear purpose and unwavering passion.
Established to mark what would have been the 100th birthday of the late Queen Elizabeth II, the founding patron of the QECT, the awards honor the late monarch’s long-held conviction that young people hold the power to strengthen communities and build a better future for all, the British High Commission statement explained. The 2026 cohort was selected from thousands of applications submitted from every corner of the Commonwealth, with honorees chosen for their impactful work across priority sectors including education and employability, environmental action, food and agriculture, public health, and social inclusion.
British High Commissioner to Jamaica Alicia Herbert praised the selection of the two Jamaican leaders, noting that their work showcases the creativity, resilience and innate leadership potential of Jamaica’s youth. “We are proud to support initiatives that empower young people to shape their communities and contribute to a stronger future for all,” Herbert added.
Stephen Ball, Chair of the QECT, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that celebrating these young leaders is a fitting tribute to Queen Elizabeth II’s lifelong commitment to service, community building and expanding opportunity for all. “These 100 young leaders represent the very best of the Commonwealth, and their work is shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future, with empowered young people at its heart,” Ball said.
In the months ahead, all 100 awardees will take part in tailored professional engagements, targeted capacity-building programs, and global networking events designed to help them scale their work and deepen their positive impact on their communities. Recognition events will also be hosted across the Commonwealth in partnership with local British High Commissions, to celebrate the young leaders’ achievements and strengthen connections between youth-led innovation and the broader global development community.