Winners of the ‘Gold’ Governor General’s Youth Award have participated in a rigorous testing of ability and spirit that teaches excellent qualities of leadership and teamwork. Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Patron of the programme, held an Awards Presentation for winners of the 2015 Gold Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA) in the Ballroom of Government House, September 28, to recognize their achievements.
HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, was also present: the Princess, in her position as President of the Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue (CCELD) had made Nassau the first stop of her ‘Dialogue’ tour for promising leaders in the Caribbean and Canada. Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson noted: "On this occasion, it is an honour that we are here to also mark the Royal Visit of HRH the Princess Royal, Princess Anne, in her capacity as President of the Caribbean-Canada Emerging Leaders’ Dialogue.
The CCELD is a unique leadership Personal Development and Educational initiative, which has evolved from a youth program, GGYA, to engage the best young professionals from this arm of the Commonwealth." The Princess, he said consented to take time to present the GGYA Gold Awards, and he thanked her for her commitment and kindness.
Minister Johnson continued: "Your Excellency, Your Highness, and Parents, these young people have worked hard to complete the most rigorous programme of the Governor General’s Youth Award, and as such, it is only fitting that their successes be rewarded by such a milestone visit in our nation."
He also pointed out that the recipients are young Bahamians who not only have made the right decision to be positively involved in their society, but have remained committed, disciplined and resilient. He said they serve as a constant reminder to be the best we can be.
"The GGYA has developed youth leaders all over The Bahamas. Leaders of Peace, Leaders of Civic Engagement, Leaders of National Development, Leaders of Community Service, and leaders among their peers. And for that, they ought to be applauded," said Dr. Johnson.
"The pride I see in the recipients when I attend their events, and the lovely exchange I had with Ms. Arvis Mortimer, only reinforces my Ministry's belief that 'YOUTH MATTER IN THE 242'."
Dr. Johnson said that this programme continues to be an inspiration to young people and has shown its success in a very tangible way.
"To date over 10,000 young people throughout The Bahamas have passed through the Governor General’s Youth Award Programme. This Programme is built around adventurous, cultural and practical activities, and helps to meet the development needs of young people between the ages of 14-25 years," said Dr. Johnson.
He explained further that the GGYA provides the Awardees with the opportunity to enjoy the benefits and shared experiences of:
• Self-belief and self-confidence, which involves self-discovery;
• A positive and realistic self-image;
• An independent and self-motivating attitude;
• A sense of responsibility;
• A connection to their community and country.
"They would have also acquired life skills such as Health & Wellness, Research Skills, Communication, Problem Solving, Presentation, and Team Work," said Dr. Johnson.
"Today, we are engaging in what I expect will undoubtedly become one of our most meaningful expressions of positive youth recognition.
“Considering all the efforts, resources and creative ideas that have been integrated in such a harmonious way to develop what we now have here today as the Governor General's Youth Awards programme, it would only be appropriate that we pause to celebrate the many facilitators and volunteers. This doesn’t work without you."
Dr. Johnson concluded with assuring that his Ministry and this Government is committed to this programme and will continue with these kinds of initiatives, which bring our young people closer to their truest potential.
"I encourage all of the awardees to take these experiences along your life’s journey, and take advantage of these opportunities and applications to build your life’s work," said Dr. Johnson.
"Know that you are our greatest resource; our real national treasures."
GGYA Gold Award Recipients smile proudly at their Awards Presentation ceremony at Government House on Monday, September 28, 2015. Seated from left are: Chairman of the GGYA Management Council Jack Thompson; HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne; Patron of GGYA Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling; Chairman of GGYA Board of Trustees Sir Orville Turnquest; and Minister of Youth Sports and Culture the Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson. GGYA Executive Director Denise Mortimer is standing, second right. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne at the 2015 GGYA Gold Awards Presentation Ceremony at Government House, September 28, 2015. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)
