Cheers and applause echoed through the arrivals hall of Owen Roberts International Airport Monday afternoon as Caymanian student and environmental activist Dejea Lyons returned from the UK after receiving the prestigious Legacy Award from Prince William.
Lyons, with family members at her side, broke down in tears at her hero’s welcome, saying she was glad to see everyone who has helped her along her journey.
“I think things are still sinking in… I’m just taking time to process,” she told the Cayman Compass.
A historic win
The Caymanian student and former head of the environmental youth group Protect Our Future received the special award at the UK Science Museum from Prince William on Thursday.
She said it was an amazing experience, one she will always treasure, especially as a first for the Cayman Islands.
“For me, it’s such a big deal because as small island nations we’re often overlooked and underrepresented. So being able to represent the Cayman Islands not only on this stage, but this magnitude has been such a big deal. It’s been a pleasure and it’s been something that I will remember for the rest of my life,” she said.
As she celebrated with her family, Lyons vowed to continue her mission to raise awareness about environmental issues affecting the Cayman Islands.
She was among 20 Legacy Award recipients, who were chosen by an independent judging panel, chaired by Baroness Doreen Lawrence, who selected the winners from a pool of exceptional individuals, already recognised for their impact on society with The Diana Award in 2022 or 2023, according to a statement from the awards organisation.
In 2022, Lyons received the The Diana Award, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
The 21-year-old said this is just the beginning for her as the award covers a two-year period and she has plans to make full use of the access, mentorship and resources the organisation will provide.
“There’s some big things coming up on my end,” she said, but only offered there was an event in April that she’d be “one of the first Caymanians to attend”.
Tessy Ojo CBE, chief executive of The Diana Award, said in a statement that, “these young people couldn’t be a more fitting tribute and legacy to Diana, the late Princess of Wales and her belief that young people have the power to change the world.
“Through their courage, selflessness and sheer determination they are making change happen, often in the face of huge adversity. Their compassion, determination and agency to make positive change today and in the years ahead is immense.”
Protecting a legacy
Prince Harry was also able to speak with the recipients, via video call, lauding their individual efforts to make the world a better place.
“My mom would be incredibly proud of all the work that you’ve done. I’m incredibly proud and thank you for doing everything that you do,” he told the recipients in the call.
Lyons, who also spoke on the call, said it was was an honour to receive the award that was named for Princess Diana, who she admired as a child.
“Princess Diana was so unapologetically herself and in today’s society, it’s something that I think a lot of people struggle with, including myself. So for me to get an award that’s one, named after her, but it’s in her name and is her legacy is such a big deal,” she said.
“To know that I’m emulating some of the… principles that Princess Diana represents, it’s an honour and it’s something that I cherish very deeply,” she added.
Prince Harry encouraged the young recipients to keep in contact and help each other in any way they can.
He also thanked the recipients “for inspiring so many others and, at the same time, protecting my mother’s legacy. I really appreciate that.”
Lyons said it was meaningful to receive the award from both princes and to be able to speak with them.
“It was an amazing experience,” she said.
Last year, Lyons was selected among 35 young people from around the region to participate in the newly launched Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders Academy education programme which was aimed at building knowledge on issues impacting the Caribbean.
In February 2023, she was also named one of 16 ambassadors at international youth environment programme Planeteer Alliance, an initiative of the Captain Planet Foundation.
In addition, Lyons helped develop a Caribbean Ocean Heroes Boot Camp to connect young people in the Caribbean during the pandemic, and is a co-editor and author of OH-WAKE magazine.
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