Jamaicans Abroad to Get Governor-General’s Achievement Awards

Several Jamaicans abroad who have contributed towards their community of residence and in Jamaica will be awarded the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA).

The awards will be presented at the upcoming Jamaica Biennial Diaspora Conference, scheduled to take place at the Montego Bay Convention Centre from June 16 to 19, under the theme ‘United for Jamaica’s transformation: fostering peace, productivity and youth empowerment’.

Speaking at a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Think Tank, held at the Agency’s head office in Kingston, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, said that the awards will be presented to persons who have given “great service to our Diaspora communities.”

“We like to honour our Jamaicans while they are alive and not when they have passed, and we have Jamaicans across the diaspora who have contributed immensely to brand Jamaica, and keeping that Jamaican flag flying very high in their respective communities, while also contributing to Jamaica,” he said.

Mr. Terrelonge said that contributions by the diaspora have been “beyond remittances”.

“We have had billions of dollars invested in our education and health sectors. Thanks to diaspora engagement, thanks to their sponsorship,” he added.

“We would be honouring those diaspora stalwarts who have not only empowered Jamaicans in Jamaica but in Jamaican communities in their respective zones across the diaspora,” the Minister said.

Presented biennially, the GGAA recognises Jamaicans who are leading change within their communities abroad, while simultaneously having an impact on Jamaica.

The awards are presented in two categories – persons aged 18 to 35 and 35 and over.