39 Jamaicans recognised at 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has presented 39 Jamaicans with the 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA), recognising their contribution at a ceremony held yesterday at King’s House.

The presentation was staged under the theme “The Power of Us: Where Vision Meets Excellence”. Among those singled out were Justice of the Peace and community activist Kaydia Clair of St Andrew, Ministry of Health and Wellness communications specialist Karl Brown of St Ann, youth leader Janiel McEwan of St James, and educator Tiffany Copes of St Andrew.

Addressing the gathering, Sir Patrick said the awardees identified needs in their communities and chose to respond. “You saw a gap and bridged it. You saw a young person without direction and became their compass, not because it was easy, but because it was necessary,” he affirmed.

He said every recipient first held a vision of making a difference in Jamaica and moved forward with backing from people who believed in them. He also stressed that neither personal success nor national progress happens alone, but rests on the often-unseen support of families, volunteers and donors across the country.

In outlining that point, Sir Patrick said: “All of us together become the power that we can celebrate. When vision meets the collective will of a people determined to rise, barriers become bridges, obstacles become stepping stones, and the impossible simply becomes the next thing that is to be done. The stories of our recipients bear eloquent witness to this truth.”

He also pointed to the example of Westmoreland’s Jamar Grant, the 18-24 age category recipient. Grant, described as an outstanding student who graduated from The University of the West Indies with first-class honours, organised support after Hurricane Melissa so displaced students could stay engaged in their education.

Sir Patrick thanked the relatives, friends and co-workers who supported the recipients on their path, saying excellence is never achieved by one person alone. “It is the fruit of countless hands working together and working towards something greater than any one of us could build alone,” he affirmed. He also expressed gratitude to the sponsors whose long-standing support has helped to make the GGAA possible.

Speaking for the sponsors, Jamaica Broilers Group Limited Group Public Relations Manager Danah Cameron said the theme for this year’s awards reflects the value of collaboration. “It captures something deeply Jamaican, because excellence in Jamaica is rarely a solo act. It is nurtured by families, teachers, mentors, communities, and countless people who choose to invest in the success of others,” she stated.

Cameron told the awardees they represent what is working in Jamaica. She said their work across education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, community leadership and service shows courage, discipline and purpose, and noted that many of them turned hardship into meaningful service to others.

She added that the sponsors are proud to back a programme that honours both achievement and the principles that reinforce the country. “May the stories we celebrate today strengthen our belief in what is right with Jamaica, and in what becomes possible when we work together,” she added.

Meanwhile, Dr Marcia Johnson Campbell of St James, who received the over-35 award for that parish, spoke on behalf of the honourees. She said they stand proudly and humbly on the support of those who encouraged them and created opportunities for them to serve.

“To our families, we offer our deepest appreciation. You have made countless sacrifices, often filling the spaces left by our absence while we attended meetings, responded to the needs of the communities, mentored others or volunteered our time. Your love, patience and unwavering support have made our service possible, and this honour belongs to you as well,” she affirmed.

Dr Johnson Campbell said the recipients come from different fields, including education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, scholarship and community leadership, but share the same spirit. “Adversity has not defined us… it has refined us. Our stories are living reminders that ordinary people committed to an extraordinary purpose can transform lives and strengthen communities,” she maintained.

She said the award is not the end of their work, but a renewed charge to continue serving with more humility, stronger purpose and higher standards. “We remain committed to using our gifts to uplift others, inspire the next generation and leave our communities better than we found them,” she affirmed.