Tears of joy flowed at The MarketPlace in Hamilton yesterday after the supermarket chain’s youngest store manager won the top prize in a US-based awards programme.

Tahjae Welch, 26, who works at The MarketPlace in Paget, was declared winner in FMI — the Food Industry Association’s 2025 Store Manager Awards.

After being selected as a winner from an initial global pool of hundreds of entries, Mr Welch competed against two other finalists in the International Retailers category.

In front of cheering colleagues with his parents and wellwishers, Mr Welch said: “This accomplishment is not just for me and The MarketPlace, but for the island.

“To be recognised on a global scale in the grocery industry just shows other young males of the community that there is still a young man out there doing positive things.”

He added: “Leading by example — it makes a big impact.”

Mr Welch told of the backing he had received over the years from the staff of the supermarket.

“I’ve got a lot of support along the way from everyone,” he said.

“Whether it be when I was just at base level, being a merchandiser and cashier, all the way up to where I am now — everyone, every day, whether they gave negative advice or positive advice, it all helped and made me into the man I am today.”

Looking ahead, Mr Welch said: “Wherever this journey takes me, I won’t stop there.

“But I am humble. At the end of the day, I couldn’t have done this by myself. MarketPlace played a huge role into moulding me into the man I am today.”

Each year, nominations stream in from peers and food retail companies for FMI’s Store Manager Awards.

The programme highlights store managers who exemplify dedication, innovation and resilience in an evolving industry.

FMI said their ability to adapt, inspire and lead their teams was what makes these store managers stand out.

Mr Welch began his career at the company in 2016 as a merchandiser and cashier at the Dollar Store straight from high school.

The supermarket said that the graduate of the company's “Pathways to Leadership” programme had consistently demonstrated exceptional operational expertise.

Last year, he became the company’s youngest store manager, taking the helm at The MarketPlace in Paget.

Ronnette Burgess, the vice-president of human resources at The MarketPlace, said the store was “so proud” of Mr Welch.

She said: “I actually had seen Tahjae from start to where he is now.

“For him to win this award on the global stage says a lot about the programme that we have in place, and how other young people could come ahead and be successful in the programme as well.”

Vernon Hassell, the vice-president of purchasing and procurement at The MarketPlace, said he recalled Mr Welch visiting the HR department of the company.

He added: “We said to him, whatever you want to achieve, you can do it.

“Hard work, work ethic, commitment, dedication — he exudes that every day.

“This is a protégé for Bermuda, of role models, and the best is yet to come.”

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet and Digital Innovation, and Opposition leader Jarion Richardson were on hand to offer Mr Welch their congratulations.

Mr Rabain said: “This is just a testament of the talent that exists in Bermuda.”

Mr Richardson told Mr Welch: “You’re really setting an example as a role model. This award means a lot for Bermuda.”