242-326-1760 admin@bahamasggya.org

The GGYA rewards you with a memorable experience!

Whether you wish to participate in the Governor General’s Youth Award (“GGYA”) programme to achieve an Award or to support us in our work, you will be poised for a rewarding and memorable experience. Since HRH Prince Philip founded The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme in the United Kingdom more than forty years ago, it has expanded to 125 nations, overriding linguistic and cultural barriers to promote the positive and universal development of young people.

More than six million young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 have participated in or are currently working through the programme. The GGYA was re-established in the Bahamas in 1987, initially known as the “Bahamas Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme”, and was re-named the “Governor General’s Youth Award” in 1996. Our current Patron is Her Excellency The Most Honourable Dame Marguerite, Lady Pindling.

More than 30,000 young Bahamians have engaged in community service, physical recreation, the apprenticeship of a new skill or hobby, and attended adventurous journeys to achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

 

Whether you wish to participate in the Governor General’s Youth Award (“GGYA”) programme to achieve an Award or to support us in our work, you will be poised for a rewarding and memorable experience. Since HRH Prince Philip founded The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme in the United Kingdom more than forty years ago, it has expanded to 125 nations, overriding linguistic and cultural barriers to promote the positive and universal development of young people.

More than six million young adults between the ages of 14 and 24 have participated in or are currently working through the programme. The GGYA was re-established in the Bahamas in 1987, initially known as the “Bahamas Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme”, and was re-named the “Governor General’s Youth Award” in 1996. Our current Patron is His Excellency The Hon. Cornelius A. Smith.

More than 30,000 young Bahamians have engaged in community service, physical recreation, the apprenticeship of a new skill or hobby, and attended adventurous journeys to achieve their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

 

BOARD of TRUSTEES

Mr. John Bethell Jr., Chairman 

Mr. Rick Chea

Mrs. Christina Nihon-Cunningham 

Ms. Katherine Elza 

Mrs. Nancy Kelly

Mr. Basil Longley 

Mr. Everette Mackey, Treasurer 

Mrs. Rosamund Roberts, Secretary 

Mr. Felix Stubbs

Mr. Cameron Symonette 

Mr. Rodger Thompson 

Ms. Alison Treco

Mrs. Yvette Glinton

 

Honorary Trustees

Mr. C. William D. Birchall

Ms. Suzanne Black 

Mr. Frank Crothers

Mr. Ian Fair

Mr. Pericles Maillis

Mr. Ross McDonald 

Mr. Gregory Nihon 
Constitution

OUR PATRON

Dame Cynthia Alexandria "Mother" Pratt ON GCMG CB CD JP is a Bahamian politician who serves as the 12th Governor-General of The Bahamas.

Cynthia Pratt was born on 5 November 1945 to Herman and Rose Moxey and received her early education at the Woodcock Primary School, the Western Junior and Senior Schools, A.F. Adderley and C.H. Reeves Schools. Pratt entered Princess Margaret Hospital Nursing School and graduated in 1963 as a trained nurse, where she spent fourteen years in the operating theatre.

In 1978, Pratt was transferred to C.C. Sweeting Secondary School where she taught Physical Education, before leaving to study abroad in 1980. [1]

During her studies at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh, North Carolina she served as the Softball Team Head Coach. She obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Education with a minor in Sociology.

In 1993, St. Augustine’s College awarded her an Honorary Doctorate Degree and she served as the President of the Bahamas Chapter of the St. Augustine’s Alumni Association. [1]

Cynthia Pratt led the Bahamas Women’s National Softball Team to a bronze medal at the 1981 World Games in Santa Clara, California. It was during these games that she was given the name “Mother” which today remains.

After her graduation, Pratt returned to teaching at C.C. Sweeting Senior High School and later moved to Tertiary Education by becoming a part-time Lecturer and the Assistant Student Activities Director at the College of The Bahamas.

After retiring from the College of The Bahamas, Pratt entered politics and became a Member of
Parliament in 1997 representing the constituency of St. Cecilia. She served for 15 years as the Member of Parliament for the St. Cecilia constituency.

In 2002, Pratt became the first female Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, a role she served till 2007, and served as acting Prime Minister. Pratt was also the first woman to serve as the Minister of National Security.   She held the portfolio from 2002 to 2007.

On 1 September 2023, Pratt was sworn in as the Governor-General of The Bahamas during a
ceremony at Government House. In her inaugural address as governor-general, Pratt said, “As a mother my eyes and ears are always open to the needs of our young people and the importance of doing all we can to uplift them so that as they grow into adulthood and inherit full responsibility for the continued development of our nation”.

The GGYA is proud to have Dame Cynthia “Mather” Pratt as patron of the organization.

Her Excellency  Cynthia A. Pratt

MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Executive Members:

The Venerable James Palacious, Chairman

Ms. Anna-Mirelle Martin, Vice-Chairman

Ms. Portia Sweeting, Secretary 

Ms. Susan Glinton, Public Relations 

Dr. Sophia Rolle, Asst. Public Relations   

Mr. Lamar Pinder, Asst. Treasurer 

Mrs. Jacquetta Maycock, National Director 

Floor Members:

Dr. Novia Carter

Lt. Delvonne Duncombe

Mr. Hilbert Richards Jr.
2019 AGM Booklet

GGYA ACHIEVEMENTS

2022

  • 1623 Registrations.
  • 177 Awards.
  • 42 Registered Units.
  • 149 Volunteers.
  • 8 Units Restarted after more than 3-5 years: Abaco at Forest Heights Academy, Andros at South & Central High School, Grand Bahama at St. Paul’s Methodist and in New Providence at St. Augustine’s College, SURE Programme, Government High School and Mt. Carmel Preparatory.
  • Resumed partnership with Beach Buddies for International Coastal Clean-up.
  • GGYA was named in top 3 finalist for Youth Organization for the Year by Ministry of Youth.
  • Financial support continued from Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Education, Technical & Vocational Training for engagement of young people.
  • Resume our annual Bahamas Award Super Expedition (BASE) in Exuma, hosting approximately 60 youth and 20 volunteers.
  • Resume: Duke of Edinburgh’s Cup Golf Tournament (20 years celebration).
  • 70 young people took part in the first ever Golf workshop for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Cup Golf Tournament.
  • GGYA work with disenfranchised youth at juvenile and special needs centres highlighted at private fundraising dinner in London.
  • Chairman & Director attended International Award Forum (Romania) assisted in strategic planning for the way forward for the International Foundation
  • Resume in person Award Ceremony since 2019
  • More than 120 attended National Youth Month annual youth march on New Providence and Grand Bahama.

2021

  • 963 Registrations
  • 92 Awards gained
  • 40 Registered Units.
  • 116 Volunteers.
  • 4 Units Restarted: Abaco at S.C. Bootle High, Grand Bahama at Alpha Omega and Teleos Christian School and St. John’s College in New Providence.
  • The Beacon School participants receive 9 Bronze Awards.
  • C.C. Sweeting High School received Bronze Awards for the 1st time for more than 7 years.
  • Financial support continued from Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Education, Technical & Vocational Training.
  • Attended Virtual International Council Meeting.
  • Held Earth Day Activity.
  • Partnered with HIV/ AIDS Foundation.
  • Camping Supplies donated by NEMA .
  • First Cycling Adventurous Journey completed since Covid 19.
  • First Gold Q Adventurous Journey (sailing) completed since Covid 19.
  • Radio Talk show appearance.
  • Register with National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas ( NAECOB).
  • Partner with Beach Buddies for International Coastal Clean-up.
  • 9 Nominated for Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture National Youth Award.
  • Former National Executive Director received the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Youth Practitioner’s Living Legend.
  • Captain Henry Curry Among 100 receive Duke of Edinburgh’s Special Coin
  • Acquired Special Project: 3 Fund Grant for Building Experiences Together Project over 3 years.
  • Partnered with Bahamas Disabilities Association Dollar Drive.
  • 7 Adventurous Journey Expeditions using International Award Association Covid 19 Guidelines.
  • 10 mainstream media publications stories.
  • Partnered with Ocean Heroes Boot camp virtual exploration.

2020

  • 3rd National Director Hire
  • 729 Registration (down 41).
  • 59 Awards gained.
  • 42 Registered Units.
  • 125 Volunteers.
  • A New unit: Excellence for Higher Learning All Age.
  • 3 Units Restarted: Grand Bahama at The Beacon School, Acklins Central High and an Open unit in New Providence.
  • Assisted with Food Care Packing/International Volunteer Day (Red Cross; Bahamas Feeding Network).
  • Attended Virtual Americas Region Conference.
  • Financial support continued from Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Education, Science & Technology.
  • Participated in the 1st virtual Youth March.
  • Participated in the International Youth Day.
  • Temple Christian and Preston Albury High School received Bronze Awards for the 1st time for more than 5 years.
  • A Silver Q/Gold P Adventurous Journey held.
  • Cycling Adventurous Journey held by the Lyford Cay International School.
  • 2 attended the virtual Train the Trainer.
  • Grand Bahama and New Providence got Awards during the Covid-19.

2019

  • 1786 Registration Up 14%
  • 142 Awards gained
  • 57 Units
  • 162 Volunteers
  •  4 New units: Ruthnell Technical Institute in Grand Bahama and on New Providence Windsor School, Willimae Pratt School for Girls and C.V. Hart Institute 
  • 2 Units Restarted: New Providence at C.C. Sweeting Sr. and Bimini at Louise McDonald High 
  • Presented Gold Awards
  • Assist with Hurricane Relief effort
  • Participated in Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council (CASC) AGM and Adventurous Journey held in St. Lucia
  •   Attended and presenter at Americas Region Conference
  • Management Council Chairman attended International Council Meeting held in London
  • Bahamas Award Super Expedition (BASE) sailing to three Bahamian Islands
  • N.G.M. Major High School participants receives 9 Bronze Awards
  • GGYA Recognized by Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture
  • 3 Volunteers selected as Teacher of the Year
  • New Patron
  • Financial support continued from Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Education, Science & Technology
  • 2nd Grant drawdown from T.K. Foundation
  • First Skill Showcase
  • 2nd Physical Recreation Day

2018

  • South Andros High School receives first Bronze Awards -12 participants.
  • Grants obtained from Cable Bahamas, Lyford Cay Foundation, T.K
    Foundation, Department of Gender Equality and Family Affairs of the
    Ministry of Social Services and Urban Development
  • Financial support continued from Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture and Ministry of Education, Science & Technology.
  • Overall Participation-153
  • New Entrants -1208
  • Awards-156
  • 56 Units
  • Hiring Assistant National Executive Director
  • 5 New Units: Noble Preparatory, Tambearly School, Teleos Christian School, Andros at BAMSI and All Cat Island Unit- 2 schools combined
  • 7 Units  Relaunched: Abaco S.C. Bootle High School; Exuma St. Andrews
    Anglican; On New Providence at :C.I. Gibson High School, Royal
    Bahamas Police Cadets, Temple Christian High School, R.M. Bailey High
    School and St. Andrews High School
  • Participation in the DOE International Forum held in Ghana
  • 4th hosting of Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council, (CASC),
    Adventurous Journey
  • CASC Assessors and Supervisors certification course
  • National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, Workshop
  • Introduction to Tools of Effective Leadership Course
  • GGYA Young Adventurers restarted
  • Asst. Director attends Duke of Edinburgh's Award, (DOE),"Mini" MBA
    Course at the University of Surrey, U.K
  • DOE International Award #WORLDREADY Promotional Photo Campaign
  • DOE International Award Communication Workshop
  • Launched of the DOE International Award Global Alumni Award Network

2017

  • Deputy elected Deputy Chair to Carribbean Award Sub-Regional Council 9CASC) board.
  • Three volunteers nominated for Volunteer of the Year and one was a runner-up.
  • BTC sponsored 10 Gold participants for the North Andros Unit to attend Bahamas Award Super Expediction (BASE)
  • Approved by CASC to host Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council Adventourous Journey 2018
  • 31 participants receive Gold Awards.
  • New Units: Educational Alternative Learning Centre and Discovery Club.

2016

  • 1,937 Registered – that’s an increase of 6%.
  • New Unit: Samuel Guy Pinder All Age School (Eleuthera).
  • GAH receives the Prime Minister’s Award Cup for Outstanding Youth.
  • 10th Royal Visit from The Earl of Wessex who presented Gold Awards.
  • The Earl of Wessex visit Abaco.
  • Sir Orville Turnquest retirees as GGYA Board of Trustees.
  • New Chairman Board of Trustees – Mr. John Bethell.
  • National Executive attends IC Meeting in Buckinghamshire, U.K.
  • On-line Learning Hub.

2015

  • Overall Participation – 1828.
  • New Entrants – 1581.
  • Awards – 808.
  • 60 Units.
  • New Units: F. Adderley Junior, S.C. McPherson Junior, L.W. Young Junior , H.O. Nash Junior (New Providence),  & Sister Mary Patricia High (Freeport).
  • The Princess Royal, Princess Anne, & Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General presented Gold Awards.
  • Berry Islands gets first Awards.
  • New Field Officer for New Providence.
  • Online Record Book & Award training continued.
  • First kayaking adventure around New Providence Island.
  • First cycling expedition on Grand Bahama.
  • Bahamas 4th in the Americas Regional in participation and Awards that includes 17 countries (Canada, Belize and USA are ahead). Bahamas leads Caribbean countries.

2016

2014

  • Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Review – Secured license.
  • Secured Government funding for fourth year – Gold Initiative Partnership.
  • Third in new participants joining for the region.
  • Two Gold Award Holders (GAH) attended the International Gold Event – South Korea.
  • GAH elected Americas Region Youth Rep. – fourth time.
  • 1,909 Registered – that’s an increase of 11%.
  • 612 Awards presented – increased by 19%.
  • Second bi-annual Bahamas Gold Event.
  • 5 New Units – C.H. Reeves Junior School, New Providence Classical School (New Providence), Alpha Omega Christian (Freeport), Agape Christian Academy (Abaco) and Deep Creek Middle School, (Eleuthera).

2013

  • Silver recipients up 50%.
  • 17% increase in volunteers.
  • Award ceremonies on New Providence, Abaco, Grand Bahama and Andros.
  • Retained Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation Conditional License.
  • The creation of a commemorative 40th Independence mural.

2012

  • 25th Anniversary of the Governor-General’s Youth Award Programme.
  • Host CASC 2012 for the 3rd time.
  • Largest number to receive Gold Award – 43.
  • Elected to International Council.

2011

  • The Earl of Wessex presents Gold Awards in New Providence and Grand Bahama.
  • GAH attends International Gold Event in Kenya and 3rd Americas Region representative.
  • Participate in Junior Junkanoo.

2010

  • New Look for GGYA logo.
  • Victor Chandler new Chairman for the National Council.
  • Partnership with Ministry of Youth – G.O.L.D Initiative.

2009

  • The Earl of Wessex presents Gold Awards
  • Face book set up.
  • 1st ever Special people register.

2008

  • Sir Orville appointed Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
  • New Coordinator in Grand Bahama.
  • New Providence hires full time Filed Officer.
  • 1st ever “Adventure Game” in New Providence.

2007

  • 20th Anniversary of the Governor-General?s Youth Award Programme.
  • First set of commemorative stamps issued.
  • The Earl of Wessex visits Bahamas; rally at Government House.
  • Sailing Adventurous Journey to five Bahamian Islands.
  • Awards up 27%.
  • Chairman of National Council attends International Council (IC) meeting in UK.
  • 1st AIDS/HIV Awareness Day.
  • GGYA Logo Competition.
  • 2nd time participating in Junior Junkanoo.

2006

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

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 and 2nd Americas Region representative.
  • 30% increase in participants.

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.

2003

  • First International Review.
  • GAHA re-established after 6 years absence.
  • Hiring of two GAH as Part-Time Field Officers.
  • Over 1,000 persons registered for GGYA; largest numbers in history of the program.
  • 1st Americas Region Representative appointed.

2002

  • Development Officer hired.
  • Part-Time Development Officer on Grand Bahama in place.
  • 1st Adventurous Journey Sailing venture to six Bahamian Family Islands.
  • Award group from Saskatchewan, Canada take part in BASE.
  • Recipient of Special Projects Grant.
  • Family Island Coordinators appointed (volunteers).
  • GAH attends International Gold Event in Canada.

2001

  • Prince Edwards presents Gold Awards.
  • HRH Prince Phillips attends function at Lyford Cay

2000

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

1999

  • GGYA Leaders’ 1st conference.
  • Scotland group from Dundee participate in BASE.

1998

  • HRH Prince Phillips visits Bahamas rally held at Government House.

1997

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

1996

  • Name change/new logo/first GGYA booklet published.

1995

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

1994

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

1993

  • Bermuda Gold Award group takes part in BASE.
  • HRH Prince Philip presents Gold Awards.

1992

  • 2nd National Director Executive appointed.
  • First Gold Awards presented since re-starting and presented by HRH Prince Philip
  • 1st Newsletter published.
  • 1st Family Island units established.
  • National Family Island Adventurous Journey began under the name of: The Bahamas Award Scheme Expedition (BASE).
  • 1st time participating in Junior Junkanoo.

1991

  • Opening of 1st National Award Authority (NAA) office.

1990

  • Hiring of 1st National Executive Director; only country in the Caribbean to hire full time Award Director.
  • Prince Edwards visits Bahamas.

1987

  • Board of Trustees and National Council set up.