Thirty-seven Jamaicans who’ve made exceptional contributions to their communities—significantly in management and lecturers—have been honored on Thursday with the Governor-Basic’s Achievement Award (GGAA) for 2025.
The awards ceremony, held at King’s Home, highlighted the achievements of people who’ve demonstrated excellence and repair regardless of private and societal challenges. Among the many recipients have been veteran educator and President of the Jamaica Academics’ Affiliation (JTA), Dr. Mark Smith; Jamaica Data Service (JIS) Senior Reporter Garfield Angus; and Dr. Melissa Flinch, founding father of the Free Your Thoughts Basis.
In his tackle, Governor-Basic, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, praised the honourees for his or her perseverance and dedication. “All 37 of right this moment’s awardees remind us that excellence will not be an accident. It’s cultivated usually in opposition to nice odds, and it thrives when grounded in service to others,” he mentioned.
Sir Patrick famous that the journeys of the awardees replicate braveness, resilience, and a deep-rooted dedication to service. He inspired them to proceed making a significant impression, stating, “The popularity bestowed on every one among you right this moment will not be the top of your civic journey however it’s a highly effective catalyst to press us ahead.”
Referencing this 12 months’s theme, “Igniting Brilliance: The place Excellence Meets Impression,” the Governor-Basic underscored the significance of utilizing one’s skills for the betterment of others.
Talking on behalf of the honourees, Manchester’s recipient within the 25–35 age group, Dr. Melissa Flinch, mirrored on the importance of the second. “In a world that always feels darkish, days like these remind Jamaicans of their God-given potential to depart an indelible mark on the world,” she mentioned. Dr. Flinch additionally referred to as on fellow recipients to proceed striving for excellence and to make use of programmes just like the GGAA as motivation to persevere in opposition to the percentages.
Established in 1991, the Governor-Basic’s Achievement Award recognises Jamaicans and people of Jamaican heritage who’ve contributed meaningfully to nationwide improvement. It kinds a part of the Governor-Basic’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE), which promotes service above self and celebrates people influencing nationwide life in Jamaica and throughout the diaspora.
