DWRIGHT Ward is a passionate youth advocate who hails from Buxton, East Coast Demerara. He recently graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations and a Diploma in Communication Studies from the University of Guyana (UG). Ward has recently been honoured with the prestigious Ignite Caribbean 30 Under 30 Caribbean Changemakers Award, recognising his outstanding contributions to youth development.

As a prominent member of several youth organisations across Guyana, he has made significant impact locally and regionally. His leadership and advocacy have also taken him to the 7th Annual Caribbean Youth Leader Summit, where he represented Guyana on an international stage.
Ward’s journey in advocacy began at a tender age, driven by a natural inclination to help others, particularly those facing challenges. His unwavering commitment to making a difference has been evident throughout his life.

Looking forward, Ward aspires to become a diplomat, furthering his ability to effect change on a global scale. His favourite quote by Oliver Holmes encapsulates his approach to life and work: “Every calling is great once greatly pursued.”
Ward told the Pepperpot Magazine that he also completed his four-year degree in just 2 1/3 years while juggling shift work as a flight operations officer at Trans Guyana Airways.
He is involved in several youth organisations, such as Youth Rise, where he serves as President and the US Embassy Youth Action Network, where he serves as Event Coordinator. He also holds memberships with JCI Guyana, Guyana National Youth Council and Leo Club Ruimveldt.

“I’ve always known that my purpose for living is to help others find their purpose, and I thought youth organisations are a perfect avenue to channel those changes where I can have a platform to impact lives in several ways,” he said.
Ward attends the Life Spring Ministry and is a believer in the power of manifestation, noting that without God, none of his achievements would have been possible.
“I’m in the stepping stone that I believe will get me to where I want to be. I’d like to first start off as a flight attendant, then continue my professional background in later years in current affairs, most likely starting off as a Foreign Service officer, which would lead me up to becoming a diplomat,” he said.

Ward added that he is deeply focused on youth development, and nothing else has ever appealed to him as much as building the future for the youth of tomorrow. This goal, he said, is his way of contributing to the community.
“What I do is reach out to young boys or girls in the community and provide guidance for them as it relates to career paths, the next step forward, or securing a job. I’ve assisted people in my village with employment, skills training, or tertiary education,” Ward said.

Ward pointed out that he even partnered with the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) to provide free electrical installation classes in the afternoon for Buxtonians so that they can gain a Level 1 recognised certification in the field. The 23-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he came from humble beginnings and that being a resident of Buxton never caused him to feel he could not achieve great things in life.

Ward is from a grounded family with both parents and two brothers, one of whom holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. He was the first in his family to graduate from the University of Guyana (UG) with a diploma in Communication Studies. Ward has already signed up for Urban Policy and Leadership studies at Hunter College in New York and will continue striving for higher education to become amply qualified. He shared that as a young man from Buxton, he faced stigma attached to the village due to its past, but this year, 30 villagers graduated from UG.

Ward added that he was never bothered by stigma because he was always focused on being successful and qualified.
“Being multi-talented and being able to qualify myself through studies brings me joy because I know it means a better future for myself. I will never stop being overzealous in pursuing higher education,” he said.
Ward, who is a citizen of Antigua, was a recipient of the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister’s Scholarship, which fully funded his entire academic journey at UG.