Nominations for the esteemed Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA), part of the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE), is now open to the public.
To qualify persons must be Jamaican citizens from humble beginnings, who have improved themselves through their own efforts and are making a valuable contribution in their community.
Nomination forms can be obtained and submitted through the Office of the Custos in the Parish where the prospective candidate resides. Information regarding eligibility for each award category along with the respective application form is also available via the King’s House website at www.kingshouse.gov.jm.
GGPE National Coordinator, Major (Retired) Effiom B. Whyte, OD, JP, stated that, “this year will be very special for the programme as it celebrates its 25th anniversary of honouring those Jamaicans who exemplify the belief that there is nothing wrong with Jamaica that cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica.”
Major Whyte explained that, forty-two (42) persons across three (3) age groups, each representing a parish, will be selected and honoured for leadership excellence. Those age groups are 18-24, 25-35 and over 35 years old. He said that persons nominated in the 18-35 age category must have achieved academic excellence in addition to giving exceptional service to their community.
The GGAA selection criteria focus on ‘Family’, ‘Youth’, ‘Education’ and the nominees’ impact in their ‘Community’. It is also keen on the individual’s ‘Creativity’, ‘Originality’, ‘Initiative’, and ‘Sustained Accomplishment’.
Persons who have been the recipient of a National Honour or Award are not eligible. The closing date for submissions is Friday, April 8, 2016.