The Advisory Boards of the Governor-General’s Achievement Award (GGAA) and the I Believe Initiative (IBI), have accepted a proposal from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen for the merger of both programmes. The proposal was presented at a joint meeting of the Advisory Boards held at King’s House on Tuesday, February 25.
Both programmes will retain their individual identity under the umbrella of the “Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence.” Retired Airline Pilot, Captain Effiom Whyte has been contracted to serve as Programme Coordinator. Captain Whyte will report to a fourteen member advisory board to be chaired by the Governor-General.
The Governor-General’s Achievement Award which was introduced in 1991, will continue to recognize persons who have excelled on the basis of established criteria, in the age groups 18-24; 25-34 and 35 and above. The I Believe Initiative was initiated by Sir Patrick Allen in 2011 and emerged from his inaugural address. IBI Projects will focus on youth up to thirty years old. However, Youth Awardees from the GGAA will be acknowledged during the IBI’s Youth Consultative Conferences.
At the joint meeting, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and members of the Advisory Boards paid tribute to outgoing GGAA Coordinator Mr. Hugh Morris, CD for the enthusiasm and diplomacy which he displayed in the discharge of his duties. 
Mr. Morris served as GGAA Coordinator for ten years.