Caymanian Dejea Lyons honored with prestigious Princess Diana Award

Dejea Lyons, a Caymanian environmentalist, was honored with the prestigious Legacy Award at the Science Museum on March 14, 2024, for her outstanding leadership and environmental work. The award ceremony was attended by HRH The Prince of Wales and Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, who also honored other recipients. Dejea was one of twenty young people recognized at the event, which marked the start of The Diana Award’s 25th Anniversary year. The Diana Award is a charity founded in memory of Princess Diana, with the belief that young people have the power to change the world.

Dejea has made significant contributions to environmental conservation in the Cayman Islands through her involvement in youth-led organizations like Protect Our Future and Plastic Free Cayman. Together with these groups, she has raised awareness about the harmful effects of single-use plastics on the environment and worked tirelessly to clean up Cayman’s beaches, removing over 25 tonnes of garbage over the years. With ongoing support, Dejea and her young colleagues are committed to addressing important environmental issues and providing solutions for future generations.

The Diana Award, as described on their website, was established based on Princess Diana’s belief in the power of young people to bring about positive change in their communities and the world. The award aims to empower young individuals to make a difference through their actions and initiatives. Dejea’s recognition as a Legacy Award recipient highlights her dedication to environmental advocacy and leadership, setting an example for other young people to follow in her footsteps.

Dejea’s work with Protect Our Future and Plastic Free Cayman showcases her commitment to preserving Cayman’s natural beauty and raising awareness about environmental conservation. By actively participating in clean-up efforts and educational campaigns, she has played a significant role in promoting sustainable practices and reducing plastic pollution in the region. Dejea’s success as a young environmentalist serves as an inspiration to her peers and demonstrates the impact that youth-driven initiatives can have on creating a more sustainable future.

As a recipient of the Legacy Award, Dejea joins a prestigious group of individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to making a positive impact on their communities. The recognition she has received for her environmental work highlights the importance of young people in driving change and shaping a more sustainable future. With continued support and collaboration with like-minded organizations, Dejea and her colleagues are poised to continue their efforts in protecting the environment and advocating for sustainable practices in the Cayman Islands and beyond.