GG Addresses Concerns Raised By JPs

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, has addressed concerns raised over the requirements that persons must satisfy, in order to be qualified to receive a Governor General Achievement Award.

Addressing Justices of the Peace (JPs), in Trelawny, on September 16, the Governor-General said some of the requirements are non-negotiable, as the credibility and character of the awards must be maintained.

Speaking specifically to the requirement that every nominee must write an essay, he said that, “the Committee felt that individuals getting an award for excellence…we should have an idea of who the person is, what are their thoughts, because you don’t want to take an award and give to somebody and after that you discover that the person’s way of life and way of thinking does not accord with the award.”

The Governor-General said part of the solution is that persons selected and who, unfortunately cannot read or write, should be able to make an oral presentation.

He noted that that topics selected for the essay are usually related to everyone and should be easily handled in the written or oral forms by the nominees.

“No one will be discriminated against. You will find people in your community who have come up by their own boot straps and you want to recommend them for the award….recommend them. There will be no discrimination against those people. Do not let the matter of the essay turn you off, it is not to hold back anyone…it is only to get their thoughts,” the Governor-General explained.

The awards are presented to qualified persons across Jamaica who have excelled in community service, business and education. The awardees are selected after being carefully assessed by members of the respective parish committees.