At the 38th staging of the UN Model Assembly Prize Giving Ceremony at King’s House today, Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen reiterated his belief in young people and their potential to succeed.
“… I have an unshakeable belief in young people and their potential to succeed. That has always been my conviction, but my service as Governor-General has allowed me to demonstrate that, to a greater degree”, said the Governor-General. He then highlighted his I Believe Initiative‘s mantra that: “there is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.”
The Governor-General, who also handed out awards at the ceremony, said that it (the UN Model Assembly) allows for the rewarding of youth who have competed in the competition and have excelled in important academic and life skills. His Excellency said that their strengths and abilities in the various areas as well as the training they have rec
eived leading up to the competition, will prove invaluable in their preparations to become leaders of tomorrow.
“Our young people are part of what is right with Jamaica and therefore we, as parents, guardians, educators, pastors and all other adults, must ensure that we hone their skills and talents and help them to believe in themselves”, he said.
Sir Patrick Allen congratulated the students on their achievements and encouraged them to use their experience as stepping stone for future development. He urged them to become role models to their peers even as they too actualise the self-belief that they can make a difference by being responsible adults. He also thanked the UNAJ and its President, Dr. Lucille Buchanan for persevering with the initiative.
Principals, faculty advisors, parents and students from six of the twenty-five participating schools were among those attending the prize giving ceremony. Knox Community College emerged as the winning school and received the Pepsi-Cola trophy.