Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon and a warm welcome to each and every one of you. It is an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate the prestigious Achievement Awards for Excellence, a testament to the incredible accomplishments of our diaspora.
In this gathering, we are surrounded by remarkable individuals—people like you—who embody resilience, fortitude, and a deep commitment to uplifting one another and Jamaica. Today we celebrate excellence, a call to action, a reminder that we all have a role to play in shaping the future.
In our efforts to uplift each other, we must continuously check ourselves, ensuring we are the examples our young people need. We must protect and nurture the innocence and potential of our youth, guiding them with integrity and compassion.
The awardees we honour today are ‘individuals of substance’, whose stories are not just inspiring but also a testament to human perseverance. While what we hear today about the Awardees is only a snapshot, there is so much more to their journeys.
Allow me to share a little about some of these incredible stories:
Mr. Steven Getten, who experienced lows after migrating to Canada, found not only his strength but also his purpose. As the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council Representative for Canada, Steven is dedicated to creating a sense of belonging among Jamaican youth facing hardships in their new home. He offers knowledge, not handouts, organizing financial literacy programmes and fostering meaningful dialogue on migration and integration.
Mr. Mark Henry, a son of the soil, now fluent in French and with numerous successes to his name, experienced a transformative moment that redirected his path towards service to others.
Dr. Pearl Jarrett, despite serious health challenges, is a force of innovation and action. Her contributions to Jamaica include introducing renewable energy solutions and establishing a significant school furniture initiative. Dr. Jarrett is a shining example of turning ideas into impactful action.
Dr. Dahlia Ann Blake has achieved so much in the medical field and dedicates herself to mentoring and fostering cultural exchange through education and healthcare improvements.
Mr. Roy Morgan, is specially recognized today for his philanthropy and cultural ambassadorship. He tells the world about “People Like You.” His song serves as an anthem of gratitude, and his commitment to giving back to Jamaica embodies the core values of this award.
These individuals are builders of hope and community. They, like all of us, bring unique strengths to the table, each contributing to a better Jamaica. We applaud the work you have done in your new homes while maintaining a deep connection to our homeland.
Today, we witness the recognition of excellence among us and are reminded of our social responsibility. It is what makes the world go round. Let us be shining examples, using all our talents to their fullest potential.
This Achievement Awards for Excellence is part of a larger vision—The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence. This programme stands as a conduit for ‘what is right about Jamaica’. Through the “I Believe Initiative,” we seek to inculcate great values, focusing on family, youth, and education. Our mantra, “using what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica,” aligns with our hopes and dreams for our nation.
I invite you all to join this ‘beacon of hope’, to stand together, and to uplift each other. Let us work collectively to build a brighter future for Jamaica and Jamaicans everywhere.
Thank you, and congratulations to all our awardees. We are proud of you together, we can achieve greatness for Jamaica and the region in which you live. Please continue to support this Initiative so we all can serve our Nation substantially.
