Anna-Lisa Guthrie’s wish comes true with PM’s Youth Award
Dru Campbell’s win sparks joy for mother Terry-Ann Williams
Published:Friday | June 6, 2025 | 12:06 AMOâbrian Wynter/Gleaner Writer
Just three months ago, Anna-Lisa Guthrie, the multidisciplinary Jamaican artist whose work spans costume and production design and mural art, made a bold statement during a Television Jamaica Weekend Smile interview.
“I’d love a Prime Minister’s Youth Award,” Guthrie told host Debbie Bissoon, a wish that was granted last Saturday as Guthrie walked away with a coveted Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture. Also honoured with the award was Jamaican international model Drucillah ‘Dru’ Campbell, who is dominating global fashion runways and lookbooks.
For Guthrie, the Prime Minister’s National Youth Award recognition couldn’t have come at a more symbolic time.
“It was my last year to qualify for the award,” she shared with a smile. “So it really meant a lot to me just because I told myself each year that I wasn’t going to [apply], and I feel like I stepped up this year. I feel like it’s at the right time when my career is fully in bloom, so I’m really proud of myself.”
A powerhouse of creativity, Guthrie has been the visionary behind viral designs that have made serious waves on social media and turned heads in real life. But beyond the vibrant visuals is a thoughtful creator whose pieces are deeply rooted in personal experiences.
“What inspires me is the world around me, really. My personal experience as well, but, also, I think just my love for art and my love for expanding what we have here,” she told Living.
Her latest venture? Designing costumes for Spirit Mas at Trinidad Carnival, one of the Caribbean’s most iconic showcases of culture and costumes.
“Trinidad is the wheel that never stops turning. And, right now, we’re actually working on costumes. They actually started from last year [in] November. So I have to be catching up with all these powerhouse designers, but it’s been really meaningful so far. I’m really proud of myself.”
Her journey is both inspiring and impactful, and she urges young creatives to boldly pursue their passions.
“I just want them to take away that it is never too late. And, no matter what, you have a perspective, and once you put it out there, the world will follow suit,” she proudly shared.
Though Campbell couldn’t accept her award in person, her presence at the Prime Minister’s National Youth Awards for Excellence was undeniable. Representing Jamaica on international catwalks and layouts for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Alexander McQueen, the 2023 female Fashion Face of the Caribbean winner is fast becoming one of the most recognisable names in global fashion.
Her proud mother, Terry-Ann Williams, accepted the award on her behalf and radiated joy as she spoke with Living.
“Oh my God, I was over the top, elated. I declared it in the atmosphere that she’ll be winning tonight,” said Williams.
She added that while her daughter might not show the same level of enthusiasm, the recognition would still mean a great deal to her.
“Drucillah is not a very expressive person; she is not like me, who gets excited for everything. She’s currently in London,” shared Williams.
As it relates to her daughter’s rise on the international scene, the proud mom didn’t hide her excitement.
“I am more excited than she is. I’m from humble beginnings,” shared the farmer. “I know she will continue winning, not just tonight, but in her future endeavours.”
Discovered more than a year ago by SAINT International, Campbell’s meteoric rise has captivated fashion insiders worldwide.
As for her memorable name ‘Drucillah’, Williams delightfully shared its origin. “Drucillah’s name is biblical. I have five children — two boys and three girls — Priscilla, Drucillah, and Trisilla, all strong women from the Bible. I’m raising my daughters to be in the same category of godly, strong women.”