The Small Island Unity Awards 2026

"Greatness is not measured by size, but by the strength of our unity."

The Small Island Unity Awards is the premier recognition platform in the Netherlands dedicated to honoring the excellence, resilience, and cultural contributions of the Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten (SSS) diaspora.

As our community continues to thrive abroad, the Small Island Unity Foundation ensures that the achievements of our people are celebrated at the highest level—bridging the gap between our islands and the lives we build in Europe.

The Mission

We aim to elevate the "Unsung Heroes" and visionary leaders who keep our culture alive. From professional pioneers to community builders, these awards provide a national stage to showcase the best of the SSS islands.

👉Voting is officially closed👈

🏆 The Official Award Categories

• 🍽️ Caterer of the Year Celebrating the culinary masters who bring the authentic flavors of the SSS islands to the Netherlands, providing a "taste of home" with every plate.

• 🎭 Performer/Entertainer of the Year Recognizing the artists, musicians, and performers who have captivated audiences and elevated SSS talent on the stage this year.

• 🤝 Community Impact Honoring the leaders, projects, or organizations that have made a tangible difference in the lives of our diaspora through service and support.

• 🏢 Small Business of the Year Recognizing the resilient and successful small-scale enterprises that contribute to the Dutch economy while staying true to their island roots.

• 💼 Entrepreneur of the Year Awarding the visionaries and innovators who have demonstrated exceptional business growth, leadership, and professional excellence.

• 🌟 Rising Star (Ages 6–18) Spotlighting our incredible youth who are excelling in academics, arts, sports, or leadership. Our future begins with them.

• 🎨 SSS Cultural Supporter of the Year For the individuals or groups who champion the arts and creative expressions that define our unique Caribbean identity.

• 🕊️ Unsung Hero Dedicated to the quiet pillars of our community who work tirelessly behind the scenes without seeking the spotlight.

• 🎙️ Media Voice of the Year Honoring the storytellers, journalists, and digital creators who amplify our community's voice and keep us connected.

• 📜 Cultural Heritage Keeper For the guardians of our history, language, and traditions who ensure that the legacy of St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Maarten lives on in the Netherlands.e storytellers, journalists, and media creators who document, share, and protect the SSS journey for the world to see.

How the Process Works

1. Public Nominations: The community submits names of individuals who embody excellence in one of our 10 categories.

2. Verification: Our committee ensures all nominees have a direct link to Saba, St. Eustatius, or St. Maarten and currently reside in the Netherlands.

3. Public Voting: The power goes back to you. The community votes for the finalists who best represent the spirit of Unity.

4. National Recognition: Winners are announced online and also during high-profile events—including the Saba Day, St. Eustatius Day and St. Maarten Day Celebration—creating a permanent record of our diaspora's success.

   
   

Elevate Your Community

Do you know someone whose work deserves to be recognized? Stay tuned for our next nomination cycle and help us tell the story of our people.

🗓️ Award Timeline & Key Dates

Stay involved throughout the process to ensure your favorites get the recognition they deserve:

• January 1st – 12th: The Nomination Phase Who inspires you? Submit your nominations for our 10 categories. Don’t wait—the call for nominees closes at midnight on January 12th!

• January 19th – 26th: The Official Voting Once the finalists are selected, the power moves to you. Check back here on January 19th for the official voting link to cast your vote.

• February 1st: The Winners Announcement The wait ends here! We will officially announce the winners of the 2026 Unity Awards.

  
  

👉Voting is officially closed👈

Stay United. Stay Proud. For more information, visit us at www.smallislandunity.com or follow us on social media for live updates!