Twenty-three young Bahamians have proven themselves worthy to receive the International Award Association’s highest honour, the most prestigious Gold Award.
Royal couple, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, was in town for the Award ceremonies held in Grand Bahama and New Providence on Wednesday, March 23.
The nation’s second city rolled out the red carpet for Prince Edward, the fourth child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. He is seventh in line to the throne.
Grand Bahama’s Governor General Youth Award (GGYA) ceremony was held at 11am yesterday at the Bishop Michael Eldon High School Auditorium. There, His Royal Highness was treated to cultural performances by GGYA participants from Sunland Baptist School, Eight Mile Rock High School and the St George’s High School’s marching band.
He was also serenaded by the melodious voices of Grand Bahama Catholic High and the Lucayan International School’s choirs.
Receiving the Gold Awards were Marcus Frith, Gadareth Higgs, Keiron Knowles, Krishawn Lubin, Brian Robinson, Stephen Rolle, Saul Salonga, Revanno Smith and Mark Saunders.
Back in the capital, a second Award ceremony was held at Government House, where another 14 GGYA participants received the Gold Award.
Presentations were made to Shavardo Bullard, Precious Green Thompson, Koreh King, Durant Minus, Kendelynn Pennerman, Nastassia Pratt, Harold Smith, Ricardo Stubbs, Alexandrianna Swain, Ashley Sweeting, Andrew Thompson, Jonathan Walters and Berchel Wilson.
In his brief remarks to both groups the Prince commended participants for having the fortitude to go the distance in the GGYA. From personal experience he knows it’s not an easy task.
No walk in the park “I did it as well so I know what you’ve been through. When you walk out of this room, walk a few inches taller,” he said. “There will be friends who will tell you, ‘Oh the Governor General’s Youth Award, I could do that.’ The difference is you know you can. Well done.”
For 12 months Silver Award holders chasing the Gold Award had to participate in a physical recreation activity, engage in a personal skill, be involved in a community service activity and undertake an adventurous journey lasting four days and three nights. They also had to complete a residential requirement of five days and four nights duration €“ all on their own initiative, with unit leaders and instructors providing only advice and guidance.
“It is a source of great pride that the programme in The Bahamas continues to grow and flourish and to offer so many young Bahamians the opportunity to add to their lives new dimensions that will have a lasting impact on them and that will enrich their future,” said Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.
“The success of this programme around the world has demonstrated that young people embrace the concept of helping to shape their own destinies through their involvement in activities they might otherwise never have experienced. Having regards to the challenges we face today, the need to invest in our youth is greater than ever.”
According to Victor Chandler, Chairman of the GGYA’s National Council, the programme’s benefits extend far beyond the pursuit of the Gold Award.
“Something else happens in the process. They are stimulated by the new environments and experiences. Their character undergoes a change such that he now wants to help those less fortunate than himself where he did not want to before,” he said.
“She is more confident about moving into action in a crisis situation. He is in better physical shape. She has a better appreciation and higher tolerance for that person she just could not stand before. This very positive change is a far more valuable benefit because no amount of money can buy it and it cannot be stolen or taken away.”
The Governor General Youth’s Award is a member of the International Award Association for Young People, headquartered in the United Kingdom. The Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all young people worldwide, equipping them with life skills to make a difference on a personal, community and global level.
To date almost eight million young persons from over 132 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities.
Since 1987, The Bahamas’ programme has catered to more than 8,000 youths. Participants improve physical fitness, develop important skills, provide valuable community service and take adventurous journeys in order to achieve a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award.
Recognizing the programme’s value the government recently lent its support to the GGYA. Last year, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Charles Maynard announced that government would partner with the GGYA through the G.O.L.D. Initiative. G.O.L.D. is an acronym for Greatness, Opportunity, Leadership and Development. This partnership brought a significant financial contribution to the programme in order to make it more available to Bahamians 14 to 25 years old.
In 2012, the GGYA programme will celebrate its 25th anniversary in The Bahamas.
Captions #1 Speaking at a Government House ceremony Wednesday evening, His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex congratulated GGYA Gold Award recipients on a job well done.
#2 Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes saluted Grand Bahama’s 400 GGYA participants, 33 volunteers and nine units for making the island’s Award programme so successful.
#3 Grand Bahama’s newest GGYA Gold recipients and the programme’s officials pose with His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex and Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes.
#4 GGYA participants listened attentively at the Gold Award ceremony held at 11am yesterday at the Bishop Michael Eldon High School Auditorium in Grand Bahama.
#5 The newest GGYA Gold recipients in New Providence and the programme’s officials pose with the royal couple, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, and Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes and Lady Foulkes at Government House Wednesday evening.
