THIRTY-SEVEN Jamaicans who are making significant contribution to their communities, particularly in areas of leadership and academics, have been presented with the Governor General’s Achievement Awards (GGAA) for 2025.

The prestigious award is bestowed on people in various age categories who are impacting community and national life, despite facing challenges.

Among this year’s recipients are veteran educator and Jamaica Teachers’ Association President Dr Mark Smith;
Jamaica Information Service Senior Reporter Garfield Angus, and founder of the Free Your Mind Foundation, Dr Melissa Flinch.

In addressing the award ceremony at King’s House on Thursday, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen noted that the people recognised, who are from various backgrounds, serve as a reminder that when we nurture excellence and act with purpose, we shape a future defined by meaningful impact.

“All 37 of today’s awardees remind us that excellence is not an accident. It is cultivated often against great odds, and it flourishes when grounded in service to others,” Sir Patrick said.

He noted that the journeys of the award recipients reflect courage, resilience, and a deep-rooted commitment to service and encouraged them to continue to impact lives through meaningful work.