Overseas-Based Jamaicans Receive Awards
By: , June 21, 2024
Photo: Michael Sloley
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen (seated, centre), with recipients and several stakeholders during the 2024 Governor-General Diaspora Achievement Awards ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on June 19. Also with the awardees are: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (seated, third left); Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks (seated, second left); and State Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign, Hon. Alando Terrelonge (seated, third right).
Photo: Michael Sloley
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, addresses the audience during the 2024 Governor-General Diaspora Achievement Awards ceremony at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on June 19.The Full Story
Five overseas-based Jamaicans have been bestowed with the prestigious 2024 Governor-General Achievement Awards (GGAA), in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the country and the Global Diaspora.
They are Steve Getten and Mark Henry from Canada; Dr. Pearl Ann Jarrett, United Kingdom (UK); Dr. Dahlia Ann Blake, United States (US); and Musician, Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan (Morgan Heritage fame).
The awards were presented by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during an official ceremony on June 19 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, where the 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference came to an end.
Jamaica’s Ambassador to the US, Her Excellency Audrey Marks, also participated in the handover of the awards.
Presented biennially to Jamaicans living in the UK, US, or Canada, the GGAA recognises persons who have demonstrated active and significant service towards the development of their community of residence and Jamaica.
The awards are presented in two categories – persons aged 18 to 35, and 35 and over.
The Governor-General, in his remarks, thanked the recipients for being ambassadors and role models for their country, noting that their tireless and selfless work over the years has contributed to Jamaica’s stellar image on the international stage as a global powerhouse.
“Today, we pay special tribute to the recipients for their dedicated service. These are individuals of substance whose stories are not just inspiring, but a testament to the human spirit. What we are learning… is about persons of perseverance… a snapshot of their journey, as there is so much more,” the Governor-General said.
“I want to encourage you all to continue to be guided by the words of the National Pledge: ‘… to continue to stand up for justice, brotherhood and peace, working diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and do her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race’. Congratulations on your awards and I hope that you will use this platform to strengthen your service,” he added.
The 10th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference was held from June 16-19 under the theme: ‘United for Jamaica’s Transformation: Fostering Peace, Productivity and Youth Empowerment’.
The event served as a pivotal platform for engaging the Jamaican Diaspora in initiatives aimed at national development and societal progress.
It brought together members of the Diaspora, stakeholders from various sectors and local leaders to explore synergistic strategies that address key challenges and harness opportunities for transformative change.