Proud Moment for SVG as SVBLA Radio Ad Receives Special Regional Recognition at CBU Awards 

By Admin. Updated 2:22 p.m., Thursday, August 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

A radio advertisement produced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines has earned regional recognition, shining a spotlight on the creative talent behind local marketing and advertising.

The St. Vincent Building and Loan Association (SVBLA) has received a Special Mention in the Best Advertisement (Radio) category at the 37th Caribbean Broadcasting Union (CBU) Media Awards for its “Turn Up the Vibes Loan”campaign.

The media awards ceremony was held on August 19 in Georgetown, Guyana.

The special mention during the awards ceremony recognised the advertisement developed for SVBLA’s 2025 Carnival and Vacation Loan promotion. The campaign was brought to life by Vincentian creative Jason Bess, also known professionally as Galanaire or Galaxxi By Far, and was submitted for consideration by NBC Radio.

For SVBLA, the recognition extends beyond a single advertisement. Marketing Coordinator Candice Sealey said it validates the strategic thinking that goes into creating campaigns designed to connect with people rather than simply promote financial products.

She explained that the “Turn Up the Vibes” concept was developed to capture the excitement of Carnival while appealing to a broader audience planning vacations, staycations or other seasonal experiences.

“The idea was centred not simply on accessing a loan, but on helping customers create the experiences they wanted and enjoy the moments that mattered to them,” Sealey said.

She noted that the Association worked closely with Bess providing the campaign direction, desired tone, key messages and intended emotional response, while allowing him creative freedom.

According to Sealey, the regional recognition demonstrates that marketing communications produced in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are capable of standing out on a wider Caribbean stage.

“It reinforces the value of investing in strong creative concepts and in producing communications that are not only informative, but memorable, relevant and connected to the audience,” she said.

Sealey added that the award is particularly meaningful because it acknowledges work that often happens behind the scenes.

She said recognition is not only for the finished advertisement, but also for the creative thinking involved in developing a campaign concept, defining the message, identifying the target audience and collaborating with the right creative partner to bring the vision to life.

The achievement also marks the second consecutive year that an advertisement produced by Bess for an SVBLA campaign has received regional recognition, something Sealey described as evidence of a successful creative partnership built on trust, a shared vision and a willingness to produce work that resonates with audiences.

She also thanked NBC Radio for submitting the advertisement for the CBU Awards, saying its decision reflected confidence in the quality of the production.

Sealey reserved special praise for Bess, commending his ability to consistently transform marketing ideas into audio productions with “personality, energy and impact.”

While marketing and advertising achievements often receive little public attention in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the regional honour serves as a reminder that local creative work can compete successfully beyond the country’s shores.

For SVBLA, the recognition is more than an industry accolade. It is an affirmation that effective marketing is about more than promoting a product—it is about creating messages that connect with people, inspire emotion and leave a lasting impression.

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