GGYA

About Our Programme

The Governor General's Youth Award was re-established in 1987 under the banner of "The 'Bahamas Duke of Edinburgh's Award". Our first participants at that time hailed from the Boys Scouts, Girl Guides and Police Cadets, through the programme's reach today extends far beyond these beloved roots. In 1996, the programme was re-branded as The Governor General's Youth Award in the Bahamas to reflect our own national identity, civic pride, and focus on our youth. Despite this re-branding, strict adherence to the principles and structure set by the International Award Association has always been maintained over the past two decades.

At the time of its re-establishment in 1987, the award's Patron was Sir Henry Taylor; he was followed by Sir Clifford Darling, Sir Orville Turnquest, and by Dame Ivy Dumont. The present Patron is His Excellency The Honourable Arthur D. Hanna. A Board of Trustees was established in 1987 along with the National Council. The programme is administered and overseen by a Board of Trustees, which is primarily responsible for the funding and oversight of the programme, and by the National Council, which oversees day to day operations, led by the National Executive Director, Ms. Denise Mortimer.

Our Participants develop important skills, contribute valuable service to the community, participate in physical recreation activities and embark upon adventurous journeys - all in a common goal of achieving a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.

The Award programme helps participants develop:

A positive self image (accepting their own strengths and weaknesses, and becoming aware of their potential)
An independent and self-motivating attitude
A sense of responsibility to others
A connection to a broader society
New or improved interests, skills and abilities
A willingness to try new things
New friendships and relationships
The ability to make a plan and then act on it
Lifelong interests
Team skills
Self confidence
Life skills including negotiation, research, communication, problem solving and presentation skills

Major Achievements

Here are some notable achievements from the programme since 1992.

1992
First Gold Awards presented since re-starting and presented by HRH Prince Philip.
Newsletter published.
Family Island units established.
National Family Island Adventurous Journey began under
the name of: The Bahamas Award Scheme Expedition (BASE).

1994 Adventurous Journey Panel appointed.
Recipient of Ministry of Youth Outstanding Youth Program.
Adventurous Journey Panel appointed.

1995
Hosted the Caribbean Award Scheme Council (CASC) AGM/Adventurous Journey for the first time. ll Gold Award Holders Association (GAHA) established.

1997 Ministry of Youth Award.
Ministry of Youth Award. Prince Edward presents Gold Awards.

2000
Granted full membership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Association
Attended Forum in South Africa.

2002
1st Adventurous Journey Sailing venture to six Bahamian Family Islands.

2004
Opened GGYA office on Grand Bahama Island.
Gold Award Holder awards Ministry of Youth for Outstanding Community Service. Silver awardees receives award for Outstanding Youth in Education.

2005
31 received Gold Award; largest number to date.
Hosted Caribbean Award Scheme Council (CASC) for second time.
Ministry of Education Award.
GAH attends International Gold Event in Hong Kong.
30% increased in participants.

2006
Young offenders unit begins.
72 at risk youth receive Bronze Award.
Hon. Arthur D. Hanna becomes the sixth Patron.
National Council Chair elected Chairman of the CASC Council.
1st ever “Camp In” held in New Providence & Grand Bahama.
Web page set up.

2007
First set of commemorative stamps issued.