2022 GGPE Annual Report by Danny Simmonds

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S PROGRAMME FOR EXCELLENCE (GGPE)

2021 ANNUAL REPORT

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S PROGRAMME FOR EXCELLENCE

INITITAIVE

Another year of success, thanks to our kind sponsors!

Table of Contents ITEM

PAGE

Message from the Governor-General

Message from the National Coordinator

The GGPE Advisory Board

Management Committee & Secretariat

Committed to Excellence, Geared to the Times

Celebrating a Tapestry of Excellence

6-7

A Partnership For Excellence

8-9

Six Receive GGAA Diaspora Awards

Decade of Action: The ‘I Believe Initiative’

Twenty-Seven Students Receive IBI-FRCCU Scholarships

7 Million Dollars Awarded in Scholarships

14-15

Creating an Enabling Learning Environment through technology

16-17

Building a Resilient Path to Recovery with and for Jamaica’s Youth

18-19

GGPE Presents the Youth Consultative Conference ‘Call to Action’ to the Ministry of Education Youth & Information

King’s House Goes Blue for Frontline Workers

A New Corps of Nation Builders: Twenty-nine New IBI Ambassadors Inducted

22-23

With over 30 years of dedication to nation-building, the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) remains steadfast in its commitment to enhancing Jamaican lives and livelihoods. With an affinity for community renewal, through the promotion of education and family values, the Programme strives to engage, empower and inspire Jamaicans to reach their fullest potential. The GGPE continues to encourage forward thinkers in support of social action and change, particularly for community and youth development. This has led to the recognition of many Jamaicans across the island and the diaspora, for their outstanding and unwavering commitment to volunteerism, advocacy, community development and social change. Over the years, our sponsors locally and abroad have also played, and continue to play, a pivotal role in fostering growth and development for many scholars, community groups and projects. The unending generosity of our donors has also propelled our growing family of ‘I Believe’ Ambassadors, who continue to display their talents in support of uplifting Jamaicans. Through a myriad of scholarships from these same sponsors, the GGPE has also been able to deftly position young, deserving and talented university graduates in the labour market, having funded their tertiary studies. As we celebrate our pearl jubilee, I would like for us to reflect on the long history of the GGPE, which proudly boasts 30 years of successful programming that help to define the blueprints for a future with even more successes, particularly for generations to come. We extend gratitude to each stakeholder for ensuring the GGPE was able to impact more lives for, this, another year. As we look to the future, I encourage every Jamaican to continue serving our beaming homeland with humble pride, as we reposition this green isle of the Indies as one of the world’s most powerful states.

His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J 1

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

”

The GGPE is committed to mobilising people and resources to create pathways for youth empowerment, education and building resilient families and communities across Jamaica. Mr. Abrahim D. Simmonds NATIONAL COORDINATOR, THE GGPE

Since 1991, gumption, coupled with acumen and excellence, has been and continues to be at the nucleus of the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE). With the COVID-19 pandemic emerging in 2020, a paradigm shift within the GGPE simultaneously mushroomed. Although there were hurdles to overcome in 2021 because of the health crisis, this shift has fortunately led to wider engagement of young people, through the implementation of more digital forums, including the digitisation of the GGPE’s wellattended National Youth Consultative Conference (YCC) and the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA). In the last year, the Programme has been unwavering in its mandate of ‘using what’s right with Jamaica to fix what’s wrong with Jamaica’. This was mirrored in the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA), which saw six people across the Diaspora being bestowed with the prestigious award this year, while more than 41 have been celebrated locally. The 2021 GGAA also saw the introduction of special awards being given to stellar individuals

from the three counties in the areas of philanthropy, academia and nation-building. These awards serve as an empowering tool for others to reach new heights and inspire change within their communities and among their peers. With the well-needed support and commitment of our custodes and sponsors, the GGPE was able to raise over $30 million in cash and kind during the past year. Of the sum raised, the fiscal year saw more than $7 million being awarded in scholarships to seventeen (17) full and part-time tertiary students. These students were also afforded book grants under our flagship Summer of Service (SOS) Scholarship programme. As we usher in 2022, with all its limitless possibilities, we remain resolute in our mandate and focused on the vision for a better Jamaica! I would like to acknowledge and personally thank all key stakeholders who have stuck with us year after year to deliver our annual calendar of activities, some of which were adversely impacted by a wave of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The GGPE Advisory Board His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, ON, GCMG, CD, KSt.J Chairman of the Advisory Board

Mrs. Danah Cameron Group Public Relations Manager Jamaica Broilers Group

The Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, JP, CStJ CEO Jamaica National Group

Dr. the Hon. Michael Fennell, OJ Chairman Independence Park Limited

The Advisory Board for the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) provides advice for the management of the Programme. Through annual meetings, the Board is able to proffer a strategic plan which guides quality improvement and assesses the Programme’s overall effectiveness.

Mr. Garfield Grandison Managing Director Gleaner Company (Media) Limited

The Hon. Steadman Fuller, CD, JP Custos Rotulorum Custos of Kingston

Mr. Courtney Campbell, JP President & CEO Victoria Mutual Group

Mr. Stephen Price, JP Country Manager FLOW and C&W Business Jamaica

Mr. Derrick Cotterell Managing Director Derrimon Trading Limited

The Hon. Garfield Green, CD, JP The Very Reverend Canon the Custos Rotulorum Hon. Hartley Perrin, CD, JP Custos of Manchester Custos Rotulorum Custos of Westmoreland

The GGPE Management Committee & Secretariat

Mr. Abrahim Simmonds GGPE National Coordinator & Chairman

Mrs. Cordell Williams-Graham President & CEO Transformational Life Solutions

The Hon. Marcia Bennett, CD, JP Colonel the Hon. Errol Johnson, CD, BH(M), JP Custos Rotulorum Custos Rotulorum Custos of St. Thomas Custos of St. Mary

Mr. Glenford Smith Author

Mr. Alex Sterling GGPE Project Officer

Dr. Janet Dyer, JP Managing Director Heart Trust / NTA

Ms. Tómori Tomlinson GGPE Executive Secretary

Mr. Dwayne Gutzmer Mrs. Antoinette Davis Chief Executive Officer Chairperson, IBI-National Coordinating Committee Institute of Economics & Law

The GGPE’s Management Committee meets quarterly to review and ensure the Programme's activities are aligned with the objectives and the Advisory Board’s strategic plan. The Management Committee provides a forum for consultation, discussion, exchange of information, and advice in decisionmaking related to the Programme’s routine functions, practices, and processes.

Committed

to Excellence Geared to the times

His Excellency delivering his remarks at the 2021 Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Awards

The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) is the product of over three decades of work which champions, at its core, a tapestry of excellence in nation-building. The Programme’s engagement at the national level has led to the birth of the GovernorGeneral Achievement Awards (GGAA) and ‘I Believe’ Initiative (IBI), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The Programme is incredibly keen on embodying and highlighting excellence in a very comprehensive manner. The facets of academia, philanthropy, empowerment and ultimate nation-building are some key areas of focus. The COVID-19 pandemic did not deter the Programme’s zest in recognising outstanding individuals and evoking a desire for transcendence into the digital sphere. For the very first time in a decade, the National Youth Consultative Conference was hosted virtually, and for the second time ever, the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards was streamed online. The staples of the Programme remained in spite of the circumstances of the pandemic. In fact, the GGPE’s online presence and potency are stronger than ever before. The Programme’s online interaction has significantly increased, and the traction is astoundingly greater. The GGPE also facilitated online applications for all activities within the Programme. The Programme is undoubtedly geared to the times with thousands of views across platforms such as the official YouTube, Zoom and social media accounts. In spite of the circumstances, the GGPE acclimatises and remains committed to excellence.

Ms. Tómori Tomlinson, GGPE’s Executive Secretary, at a pre-recorded session at the parish level for the 2021 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards

Donate

To Our Programme The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence is a not-for-profit entity that depends heavily on the kind support of corporate sponsors. Over the years, corporate sponsors have worked with us to deliver social programmes that enrich and empower young people to become the best versions of themselves. Our Parenting Campaign, the Summer of Service Scholarship and Annual Youth Consultative Conference are three avenues for building resilient families, fostering education and empowering youth. If you wish to support our programme contact us at ggpeonline@gmail.com.

ebrating CAelTapestry o

THE 2021 GOVERNOR-GENER

The 2021 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) signalled the 30th anniversary of the Programme launched by the Most Honourable Sir Howard Cooke in 1991. The ceremony was broadcast to a virtual audience of nearly 6,000 viewers in Jamaica and across the diaspora. Forty-two Jamaicans received the prestigious GGAA and three individuals were selected for the 30th anniversary special awards – one from each county. His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen delivered his remarks from King’s House to the 2021 GGAA recipients and stakeholders. In his address, His Excellency commended the awardees for their excellence in academia and volunteerism while reflecting on the long history of the Programme, which has seen many changes over the years.

Media mogul Terri-Karelle Reid was the Master of Ceremonies for the 2021 GGAA. The GGAA was broadcast virtually for the second time because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Honourable Patricia Dunwell, Custos Rotulorum for the Parish of St. Andrew, pins GGAA recipient Mrs. Natalie Irving-Mattocks. The custodes presented the awards on behalf of His Excellency at the parish level.

f Excellence

RAL’S ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Sir Patrick (centre) shares lens with the three recipients of the GGAA 30th Anniversary special Awards. From Left Ms. Khadine Hylton (Surrey), Dr. Chris Parchment (Cornwall) and Krisan Ennis (Middlesex)

Upcoming performing artiste, Anya B gives a stellar performance at the 2021 GGAA. Her rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been”, by Queen Latifa, had the virtual audience inspired. Diel, the third runner-up in the Digicel Rising Star Competition also performed two selections and a dance tribute was given by Mr. Keenan Fletcher.

Media personality and philanthropist Ms. Khadine “Miss Kitty” Hylton poses with her GGAA 30th Anniversary Award.

The spirit of volunteerism and selfless giving are hallmark characteristics of those who bear the title of a Governor-General Achievement Award Recipient. The Jamaica National Group’s continued sponsorship of this programme is an affirmation of our commitment to help provide avenues for the advancement of Jamaicans, wherever they reside, and to celebrate their achievement. The Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ, CD, JP, CStJ CEO, Jamaica National Group

A Partnership

for Excellence

We congratulate His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, on continuing this legacy of honouring Jamaicans who ‘use what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong in Jamaica’. We have partnered with the Governor-General in support of this Programme since 2014, and it has been our privilege, along with our co-sponsors, to steady the torch each year for you all to blaze the trail of hope for our nation. Mrs. Danah Cameron Group Public Relations Manager Jamaica Broilers Group

The Victoria Mutual Group is honoured to have supported the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards since its inception in 1991. It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the 2021 awardees and wish for them God’s richest blessings. Ms. Clover Moore Assistant Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Communications The Victoria Mutual Group

In this 30th anniversary year of the GovernorGeneral’s Achievement Awards, The Gleaner is proud to be a founding sponsor of this very relevant awards programme. It has been our pleasure over the years to share in the recognition of countless Jamaicans who perpetuate our reputation for generosity, resilience, and excellence. Ms. Terry-Anne Wilson Manager, Digital Integration & Marketing The Gleaner Media Company Ltd.

Congratulations to Their Excellencies, The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen, along with their team, on a well-executed programme through the years. As we continue to navigate this challenging global period, it’s heartening to know that there are persons who’re willing to give of themselves to make meaningful contributions to the economic, political and social well-being of their communities and, by extension, their country. Mr. Stephen Price General Manager, Flow Jamaica

Six Receive the GGAA

Diaspora Award

Six Jamaicans were, this year, recognised for exceptional service in the diaspora and in Jamaica by the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT). The Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Awards was established in 2008 to recognise excellence among persons in two age categories: 18-35 years old and over 35 years old. The Governor-General’s Diaspora Achievement Awards Programme provides a platform for these unsung heroes to be recognised and have their stories transmit a wave of inspiration across Jamaica and the diaspora. Since 2008, nearly 50 Jamaicans have received these prestigious awards in the diaspora regions of the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Ms. Cassandra Campbell

Dr. Trudy Hall

Mr. Dave D’Oyen

Dr. Sylvanus Thompson

Mr. Amani Simpson

Bishop Llewellyn Graham

A Decade I N I T I A T I V E

of Action! Established May 10, 2011

On May 10, 2011, the ‘I Believe’ Initiative ushered in a decade-long repository of inspiring and empowering over 300,000 young minds to be innovative thinkers and nation-builders. On the occasion of its 10th anniversary, the Initiative (IBI), the Initiative is also championing more than 300 Ambassadors who continue to support the values of the Programme in their respective communities across the island. In the last year, IBI Ambassadors were able to channel resources to, and be supportive of, vulnerable populations most impacted by the pandemic. The IBI’s design inspires and empowers young people to build resilient and selfaffirming families through the mobilisation of resources for the educational advancement of young Jamaicans. More importantly, the Initiative transcends these constructs and reminds every Jamaican that we can ‘use what is His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica.’ To commemorate 10 fantastic years, coupled with the generous support of its sponsors, the IBI successfully delivered a robust calendar of activities, including the National Youth Consultative Conference (YCC), the Summer of Service Scholarships (SOS), and Parenting Now, which pair well with other technical and operational activities within the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE).

Become

An IBI Ambassador As and IBI Ambassador, you become inducted into a growing network of inspiring change makers across our country. IBI Ambassadors work together to create solutions that bring about change within their communities; mobilizing people and resources to address the most pressing social issues. If you are interested in becoming an Ambassador, submit your application to your Parish Custos or by visiting our website, ggpe.org.jm.

Twenty-Seven Students Receive

IBI-FRCCU Scholarships

While St. Ann is known to produce beautiful flora and fauna, in recent months, it has become quite renowned for the number of scholars it has produced. This year, the First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Ltd. (FRCCUL), in collaboration with the Governor-General’s ‘I Believe’ Initiative (IBI), awarded scholarships totalling nearly JMD 500,000 to 27 students from the Brown’s Town Community College (BTCC) in the parish. The scholarships, which came on the heels of the IBI’s 10th anniversary, were handed over at the Seville Great House in June, and will allow the recipients to complete their studies and graduate this year. Since 2013, the IBI has given more than $61 million in scholarships and bursaries to over 100 students, and for the first time in its 10-year history, a single sponsor has committed to more than four students at the same time. Principal of BTCC, Claudeth Haughton, described the Initiative as a significant boon for the institution, particularly during these unprecedented times as the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic. Each scholarship recipient is set to leave the College with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and will work as a healthcare provider, helping to improve the health and welfare of the Jamaican people, which is of critical importance during the existing global health crisis. The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE), which is the umbrella unit for the ’I Believe’ Initiative activities, is predicated on the notion of ’using what is right with Jamaica to fix what is wrong with Jamaica.’

We are pleased to have been able to partner with the ‘I Believe’ Initiative (IBI) to make this contribution to the Brown’s Town Community College. We are even more pleased to assist students to complete their Bachelor’s or Associate degrees in Nursing, as our communities at this time, more than ever, need competent, well-trained and caring health workers. Mr. Ardford Billings CEO, First Regional Co-operative Credit Union Ltd.

”

Don’t be ordinary. Be

extraordinary.

- His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during an address to the 2021 SOS recipients.

MILLION DOL Awarded in Scholarships through the 2021 Summer of Service (SOS) Scholarship Programme

Chavon Forrester, one of the participants in the 2021 Summer of Service (SOS) Programme, carries seedlings which he used as part of his project called ‘Growing through the Pandemic’.

His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, delivers remarks at the virtual awards ceremony for the 2021 Summer of Service (SOS) scholarship recipients, which was held in September.

LLARS

Thanks to Our 2021 Sponsors

For more than eight years, and with the aid of sponsors, the GGPE has been mobilising resources to encourage a spirit of volunteerism among ordinary youth while offering them scholarship opportunities to pursue their academic goals and become extraordinary. In the last year, more than $7 million was awarded in grants and scholarships to 17 students at the tertiary level under the flagship of the Summer of Service (SOS) Programme. For a period of eight weeks during the summer, the recipients volunteered services in six parishes to aid in various projects in schools, children’s homes, community centres and libraries. Since the inception of the SOS Programme, over 70 participants have received scholarships. Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, shared his delight with the scholarship recipients stating: ‘It is quite reaffirming to learn of your various projects that have undoubtedly made an impact in the communities and organisations that you served.’ He further charged them to ensure that their quest for higher education prepares them to cope with the rapid social changes and technological innovation being unveiled at both national and global levels. ‘Don’t be ordinary. Be extraordinary!’, emphasised His Excellency, as he extended gratitude to the GGPE’s corporate sponsors for generous donations made over the years.

Chinese ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Tian Qi, extends congratulations to the 2021 Summer of Service (SOS) scholarship recipients. The SOS is a programme conceptualised, developed and executed by the ‘I Believe’ Initiative, under its pillar of education.

Creating an Enabling Le

through T

The Governor-General’s ‘I Believe’ Initiative is built on the pillars of family, youth and education – two of which are encompassed by the mobilisation of resources to engage youth at the Fruitful Vale Primary School.

IBI Donates 50 Tablets to Students in Portland

‘Giving is not just about making a donation; it’s about making a difference.’ – His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General of Jamaica Education is one of the core components of the Governor-General's Programme for Excellence (GGPE), and with distance learning becoming the norm, gaining access to technology can be quite challenging, particularly for rural and underprivileged schools. Having observed the marked rise of e-learning and the need to transition to digital platforms, His Excellency Sir Patrick Allen, Governor-General and Patron of the GGPE, decided to make a difference by donating more than 50 tablets to needy students at the Fruitful Vale Primary School in Portland on June 22, 2021. The presentation was made as part of His Excellency’s 'I Believe' technology drive, which has seen more than 200 tablets being handed over to students in need.

With support from long-time sponsor, FLOW Foundation, and the Hon. Daryl Vaz, Member of Parliament for Western Portland, the donation impacted the lives of students by ensuring timely access to devices for online learning, particularly for students who had no access. The FLOW Foundation also gave an additional boost to the students’ online engagement by providing one month's worth of data to facilitate connectivity to virtual learning platforms. The Governor-General’s ‘I Believe’ Initiative is built on the pillars of family, youth and education, and the mobilisation of resources to engage youth at the Fruitful Vale Primary School encompasses two of those three pillars.

earning Environment

Technology A

IBI partners with ambassadors to refurbish St. Mary High School Computer Lab

Some past students of St. Mary High School, living in America, donated over 60 computers to their alma mater’s e-learning centre, which was recently ravaged by fire. The renovation of the school’s computer lab was facilitated by the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE). Drs. Lisa and Peter Walker, IBI ambassadors and past students of St. Mary High School

72 Tablets donated with support from the Northeastern Conference of Seventh Day Adventists in New York. Her Excellency the Most Hon. Lady Allen made a presentation of 72 tablets to the IBI. The tablets were received as a donation of the North Eastern Conference of Seventh Day Adventists in New York.

Building a Resilient Path to Recovery with and for Jamaica’s Youth THE 2021 NATIONAL YOUTH CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE (YCC) For far too long, young people have been silenced and placed at the far end of the table, where matters of national importance directly impacting development, economic growth, security and welfare are being discussed. To address the deafening silence among youth and the need for their involvement in ‘round table talks’, the GGPE designed and implemented the National Youth Consultative Conference (YCC). The YCC has been a staple to the GGPE’s calendar of annual events as it provides the ideal platform for enervated voices to vocalise their opinions and proffer meaningful solutions to everyday challenges across Jamaica.

His Excellency delivering remarks at this year’s Conference

This year, the two-day conference was held on October 6 and 7, in partnership with the United Nations, under the theme ‘A Decade of Action: Building a Resilient Path to Recovery with and for Jamaica's Youth.’

A core feature of the Conference was enabling dialogue with young people as they crafted a Call to Action regarding pressing issues affecting the nation. This year, the Conference sought to explore how young people’s lives have been affected by the pandemic, coupled with their prognosis of recovery through more multi-stakeholder collaborations.

Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid hosted the two-day conference, ably guiding discussions among the participants.

Dr. Conille, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, further echoed sentiments shared by His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, noting the need for increased partnerships, which can only be attained through dialogue with young people via similar forums. The YCC agenda included a series of consultation meetings and workshops that allowed young people to present their own ideas for Jamaica’s recovery and continued mainstreaming of the Sustainable Development Goals.

For far too long, young people have been silenced and placed at the far end of the table.

The Conference also looked at how the Government may make it easier for people to find work and provide more spaces such as the YCC for all Jamaicans to be involved in the conversation about the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and how they impact the nation’s future. The Hon. Robert ‘Nesta’ Morgan listening and responding to the concerns of our Jamaican youth.

Thanks to Our 2021 Sponsors

Spice World Supermarket 19

Congratulations to the GovernorGeneral’s Programme for Excellence and the United Nations in Jamaica for the successful staging of the National Youth Consultative Conference. Ms. Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth, gave the closing address at the 2021 YCC

GGPE Presents the YCC ‘Call to Action’ to MOEYI On November 23, the GGPE and the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator met with Honourable Robert 'Nesta' Morgan, State Minister in the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, to discuss a Call to Action that emerged from the Programme’s annual Youth Consultative Conference (YCC). The GGPE’s Call to Action details the collective demands of young people that serve to ‘build a resilient road to recovery’ with and for them. In response to the call, Minister Morgan said ‘I am optimistic because some young and Student leader Ms. Christina Williams presents the Call older people are opening their eyes and to Action to the Hon. Robert Morgan. displaying favourable action toward national growth and development, and I believe that if we can engage that generation, we may produce exceptional results.’ The Minister further acknowledged the importance of the Call to Action addressing the need for development opportunities for Jamaica’s youth as he urged various youth organisations such as the Jamaica Union for Tertiary Students, the UWI Mona Guild, the Student Council, the Youth Council and Youth Advisory Council to join forces to effect change. Meanwhile, Abrahim Simmonds, National Coordinator for the Governor-Programme General's for Excellence, went on to say, ‘The UN is a key partner in this Initiative, and a key output of this event is the Call to Action, which is from the young people of Jamaica saying to the government, civil societies, all stakeholders and members of the United Nations Development platforms, that these are the strategies we want to incorporate in any plans to build back stability.’ The inspiring and empowering cohort leading the Call to Action has also underscored the need for technology to be mainstreamed in the public education system even after the pandemic dissipates, to ultimately enhance the teaching and learning experience for every Jamaican.

King’s House goes Blue for Frontline Workers At sunset on October 17, King's House participated in a campaign to honour the contributions of frontline employees to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by joining with a number of other landmarks, monuments and buildings across the island to Light Jamaica Blue. The main building and other portions of King’s House were wrapped in blue lights and remained lit each night for a period of one week. In support of the Initiative to recognise frontline workers, National Coordinator for the GGPE, Abrahim Simmonds, led a Call to Action following the National Youth Consultative Conference (YCC) to highlight youth perspectives on a roadmap to recovery from COVID-19, recognising that a faster recovery for Jamaica would reduce the demands being placed on our frontline workers.

Sign erected at King’s House in support of our frontline workers in these unprecedented times

These efforts coincided with the theme for United Nations 76th Anniversary, ‘Partnerships for Peace, Planet and Prosperity’, which reiterated the notion that global challenges are interconnected and can only be addressed through partnerships. To this end, the UN Country Team facilitated the Partnership Week Forum, which provided opportunities for consultative discussions around issues affecting frontline workers. Although the Light Jamaica Blue initiative overlapped with the National Heroes’ Day celebrations and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, King’s House was unwavering in its efforts to recognise and celebrate frontline workers as champions in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and breast cancer.

Lit fountain at King’s House during the Light Jamaica Blue initiative

A New Corps of

Nation-Builders 29 NEW IBI AMBASSADORS INDUCTED Twenty-nine new ‘I Believe’ Initiative (IBI) Ambassadors have been welcomed by His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, to the corps of nationbuilders who are on a social mission of ‘using what’s right with Jamaica to fix what’s wrong with Jamaica.’ ‘I Believe’ Ambassadors are youth and community champions invited by His Excellency, Sir Patrick, to influence networks, lead inspiring projects and represent the mantra of the IBI by rallying efforts for regional and national events.

This year, a hybrid virtual-physical ceremony was held at King’s House via Zoom, which saw the likes of the Honourable Earl Jarett, OJ; three Parish Custodes: Green, Golding and Gentles; thought and business leaders; as well as community volunteers being inducted to the corps of volunteer nation builders.

These outstanding individuals may be identified across all fourteen parishes and possess national and international influence, a merit that would have led to their instalment as an IBI ambassador. The hope is that they, too, will use their platforms to inspire and energise Jamaicans to work towards building a stronger nation. The Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE) receives scores of applications for new IBI Ambassadors annually. IBI Ambassadors support the successful planning and execution of projects done through the GGPE while collaborating on their own initiatives at the grassroots level. As of this year, over 340 people have been installed as IBI Ambassadors. The ‘I Believe’ Initiative, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, is an arm of the Governor-General’s Programme for Excellence (GGPE). The Initiative was launched in 2011 as a platform to support and inspire young people to develop their skills and talents in a bid to achieve their highest potential as they participate in national development activities.

His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, pinning the Hon. Earl Jarrett, OJ at the IBI Ambassadors’ Induction Ceremony.

“You hold the key to our nation’s future and as forward-thinkers of this time, it is imperative that you remain connected with your individual communities in building capacity to strengthen community” based

interventions

Specially inducted IBI Ambassadors in commemoration of the Initiative’s 10th anniversary (from left) Mr. Rajae Danvers, Mr. Archibald Gordon, the Hon. Icylin Golding, the Hon. Hugh Gentles, the Hon. Garfield Green and Mr. Bhasker Reddy Sharu.

Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen

Mr. Jermaine Johnson, writer of the IBI song, performing at the 2021 IBI Ambassadors’ Induction Ceremony His Excellency, Sir Patrick Allen, greets Mr. Christopher Issa after inducting him as an IBI Ambassador

Connect

With us online Help us to get the word out and expand the reach of our interventions across the island. Follow us on social media:

@theggpe And monitor our website for frequent updates.

ggpe.org.jm