1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. caribbean

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The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the world’s leading achievement award for young people, bringing together
practical experiences and life skills to create committed global citizens and equipping young people for life.
The Award is:
 Open to all young people aged 14-24, regardless of their background and circumstances.

About personal development: it is a non-competitive, enjoyable, voluntary and balanced programme, which requires
sustained effort over time.

A non-format educational framework which can complement formal education or offer a substitute where formal
opportunities are not available.

A programme that enables young people to demonstrate self-development within an internationally recognized framework.

Comprised of three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold - each progressively more challenging.

Comprised of four sections: Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey, and includes a Residential
Project at Gold level.
The unique strengths of the Award are that:
 It can be used by any group or organization working with young people. It offers youth agencies and organizations a way
of gaining international accreditation for development activities with young people.

It is based on enduring principals and robust methodology, but is flexible enough to be used with any group of young
people, whatever their needs.

It focuses not on external and universal standards, but on self-directed learning based on individual goals - any young
persons can take part and achieve their Award, whatever their starting point.

It is a low-cost intervention which uses existing youth development networks and infrastructure to reach young people.
Each new leader trained to run the Award supports around twenty new participants to begin their Award.

It is a locally adaptable programme, flexible enough to meet the objectives of local and national youth policy objectives.

It is supported by an extensive global network that ensures its quality and provides access to youth development
expertise, training and best practices.
Sir Gerald Cash
1987-1988
Sir Henry Taylor
1988 - 1992
Sir Clifford Darling
1992 - 1995
Our Patron
Her Excellency, The Governor General
Dame Marguerite Pindling, DCMG
Dame Ivy Dumont
2002 - 2005
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Sir Arthur Hanna
2006 - 2009
Sir Arthur Foulkes
2009 - 2014
Sir Orville Turnquest
1995 - 2001
SIR ORVILLE TURNQUEST
CHAIRMAN OF THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The Governor-General’s Youth Award (GGYA) is
again proving to be a guiding light to the young people of our
nation as it seeks to motivate and inspire them to become
nation builders. The GGYA has made tremendous strides in
moulding our youth, many of whom have now become model
citizens contributing to the growth and development of our
society.
Last year has been a truly outstanding one. Two of
our Gold Award holders attended the International Gold Event
in South Korea. Another Gold Award Holder was elected
Americas Region Youth Representative for the fourth time. In
March 2014, all aspects of the operations of the GGYA were
examined by a Validation Team (the Regional Directors of the
Americas and Africa) from the Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Award Foundation, and we were successful in
securing a Licence for 2015. There were 20 Gold Award
recipients. Additionally, the Chairman of our Management
Council, Mr. Jack Thompson, has now been elected to the
Executive Board of the Caribbean Award Sub-Regional
Council. There was a 11% increase in participants, which now
give us 1,909 registered participants. There has also been an
increase of 19% in Awards presented for a total of 606. These
achievements make all of us deservedly proud.
We are also very pleased to have launched an
Online Record facility. Additionally, five new units have also
come on stream two from New Providence and three from the
Family Islands.
The Government of The Bahamas has also awarded
a Grant to the GGYA for past four years.
These notable accomplishments would not be
possible without the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm
of our Management Council Chairman, Mr. Jack Thompson;
our National Executive Director, Ms. Denise Mortimer; our
Treasurer, Mr. Everette Mackey and the entire Board of
Trustees, and their helpful staff. We are forever grateful for the
guidance and leadership direction of our untiring Secretary,
Mrs. Rosamund Roberts and, of course, our many volunteers
who give of their time and talent to guide our youth. We owe
all of them a huge debt of gratitude for their time and talents in
encouraging our youth to succeed.
In conclusion, I would like to welcome Her
Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, our current Governor
General, as our National Patron, and wish to thank her for her
support of the GGYA.
Sir Orville Turnquest, GCMG, QC, LLB.B, JP
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MR. JACK THOMPSON
CHAIRMAN OF THE
MANAGEMENT
COUNCIL
It is my honour and pleasure to extend a warm welcome to
our Trustee Board members, council members, unit
coordinators and volunteers to our Annual General Meeting
for the year ending 2014.
Our annual general meeting is critical to our growth and overall development. It affords the leadership of our Award
Programme to review our accomplishment as well as set our
compasses and chart our course for the way forward.
During our AGM we share with our stakeholders our finances
and stage training courses for new leaders/volunteers.
Last year was another eventful year for the Award in The
Bahamas. We continue to make significant strides locally and
internationally.
It should be noted that the Governor General’s Youth Award
is the youth organization of choice in The Bahamas.
The financial support of The Bahamas Government and the
fundraising events of the National Board of Trustees assisted
the management council in achieving its goals.
The central and over arching goal of the Award is to ensure
that young people realize the impact of the programme.
In this regard I wish to thank the many parents and guardians
for their confidence in our program. I am encouraged by our
efforts to expand the Award in Bimini, the Berry Islands and
Deep Creek Middle School, Eleuthera.
Finally, I wish to thank Ms. Denise Mortimer and her office
staff for their hard work and commitment during 2014. I am
equally grateful to Sir Orville Turnquest and the entire
Trustee Board for their time and sacrifice to the Award.
Mr. J. A. Thompson
2014 Board of Trustees Members
Sir Orville Turnquest, Chairman
Mr. Edward Bethel
Mr. Rick Chea
Mrs. Christina Nihon-Cunningham
Ms. Katherine Elza
Mrs. Patricia Hermanns
Mrs. Nancy Kelly
Mr. Gregory Nihon
Mrs. Rosamund Roberts, Secretary
Mr. Felix Stubbs
Ms. Alison Treco, Treasurer
Dr. Keith Wisdom
2014 Honorary Trustees
Mr. John Bethell Jr.
Mr. C. William D. Birchall
Ms. Suzanne Black
Mrs. Ruth Cleare
Mr. Graham Cooper
Mr. Frank Crothers
Mr. Ian Fair
Mr. Ed Fields
Mr. Maxwell Gibson
Mr. Pericles Maillis
Mr. Ross McDonald
Mrs. Christiane Oakes
Mrs. Elizabeth Sands
2014 Management Council
Mr. Jack Thompson, Chairman
Mrs. Kim Outten-Stubbs, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Everette Mackey, Treasurer
Ms. Susan Glinton, Public Relations
Mr. Jason Curry
Ms, Anna-Mirelle Martin
Mrs. Jacquetta Maycock
Mrs. Stephanie McPhee
Mrs. Constance Miller
LC Shonedel Pinder
Mr. Alan Pinto
Ms. Portia Sweeting
Ms. Caroline Turnquest
Ms. Denise Mortimer, National Executive
Director
2014 can be described as the year of the three R’s: Review,
Refine and Rejoice.
Having a third review since the re-launch of the Award
Programme here in 1987, made it possible for us to
redefine our purpose, set more tangible goals and improve
upon our delivery. More importantly, we were able to
review our strengths and weaknesses for the past three
years.
The recommendations that came out of the review will
enable us to become a more viable youth programme,
strengthen our structure and keep us financially sound. As
we proceed ahead, we can rejoice that we received our full
license after enduring three days of intense and rigorous
“investigations.”
Another cause for jubilation is reflected in the stats report
from the International Secretariat. The performance of our
GGYA in the Americas Region in comparison to other
members of the Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council
should make us all very proud. These figures reflect the
hard work of all our volunteers and other stakeholders.
It is so important that we do not forget the election of our
own Gold Award Holder (GAH) Ms. Arvis Mortimer at the
International Gold Event (IGE) in South Korea. This made
the fourth time that The Bahamas was elected as one of
the youth reps for the Americas Region. Both she and
Leading Seaman Javier Forbes represented The Bahamas.
Also attending as the outgoing youth rep was Ms. AnnaMirelle Martin. Again, we rejoice.
The continued support from the Ministry of Youth and all
our donors made it possible to continue with expanding
the Award Programme, thus enabling us to reach many
more young people and give them opportunities for
personal achievement.
The many accomplishments that were achieved for the
year under review gave us much to cheer about. The
numbers were up for both registration and Awards and
many of our volunteers who remained onboard were
joined by twenty-six first time GGYA volunteers.
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We need to identify avenues that will encourage more participants to progress and complete
the Gold Level.
As you review the report, you will again recognize that despite the many challenges we faced
as a country, the GGYA continued to offer our young people avenues for practical, cultural and
adventurous activities that can only help to mold them into becoming productive citizens.
Finally, to everyone that made it possible for the GGYA to succeed in so many ways, I thank
you. The countless hours and effort that you put in is indeed unequalled. To the many
volunteers that work hand in hand with the young people of this country, you are national
heroes and one day you will receive all the accolades that you deserve.
2014 At A Glance
 Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Review - Secured license.
 Secured Government funding for fourth year - Gold Initiative Partnership.
 Fourth in Awards presented and number of participants in Americas Region.
 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.
 Gold Awards Presentation.
 New Patron.
 1,909 Registered – that’s an increase of 11%.
 612 Awards presented— increased by 19%.
 Bahamas Award Super Expedition held on Inagua for the second time. (First
expedition was in 1994).
 Chairman of Management Council elected to the Caribbean Award
Sub-Regional Council Executive Board and became a member of the
International Council Special Projects Selection Committee.
 Second bi-annual Bahamas Gold Event.
 5 New Units – C.H. Reeves Junior School, New Providence Classical School (New
Providence), Alpha Omega Christian School (Freeport), Agape Christian
Academy (Abaco) and Deep Creek Middle School, (Eleuthera).
From L to R: Mr. David Clarke, Americas Regional Director; Mrs. Pauline Davis
-Thompson, Olympic Gold Medalist; Ms. Mortimer, GGYA National Executive
Director and Mr. Edwin Kamani, Africa Regional Director.
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Validation – the Full License Process
One of the major events for 2014 was the process to receive full license from the Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award Association.
The GGYA became the first country in the Americas Region to qualify for the IAA full license.
The process covered three
days of evaluation and
interviews.
Prior to the validation team’s
arrival, using six themes, we
had to conduct a self
assessment that was
completed by Council
members, Unit leaders,
Volunteers, Participants,
Gold Award Holders (GAH),
Adventurous Journey Panel
members and four of our
partners.
The validation team
conducted a complete
review of our fundamental standards, governance, resources, management, delivery and
development.
The validation team consisted of Mr. Edwin Kamani, Africa Regional Director and Mr. David
Clarke, the Americas Regional Director. They had the opportunity to attend the AGM and the
Gold Award presentation. They made courtesy calls to the Ministry of Youth, Sports &
Culture and the Ministry of Education, Science & Technology.
Interviews were conducted with major stakeholders such as board and council members,
major partners, unit leaders, volunteers, adventurous journey panel, Gold Award Holders
and participants.
We were able to secure full license status after implementing the following improvement
plan:
1. Amendments to the Constitution (available on webpage)
2. Succession Plan
3. Review Strategic Plan
4. Submission annual audit/financial statements
5. Invite high ranking rep. from Ministry of Youth to join the Trustee Board and Council
6. Re-appoint Family Island coordinators
7. Introduce online record book
8. Hire additional technical staff
9. Acquire support vehicle
6
7
Registration/Units
The year under review saw a 11% increase in persons registering in the Award Programme in
the Bahamas. Expanding throughout the country was again a priority. Tremendous effort
was made to ensure that every young Bahamian had the opportunity to take part in the
GGYA.
There were1,909 participants, comprising 56 units that were supervised by 137 adult
volunteers.
Units were located in 54 school and 2 youth organizations. On New Providence there were a
total of 28 units. Eleven units were based Grand Bahama. The other 17 were scattered
throughout the Family Islands.
New units commented at the Deep Creek Middle School, New Providence Classical School,
Alpha Omega Christian School, Agape Christian Academy and C.H. Reeves Junior School.
Former unit were revived at the RBDF Rangers, R. M Bailey High School, Anatol Rodgers High
School, C.I. Gibson High School, Louise McDonald High School and Jack Hayward Junior High.
The chart shown below gives a breakdown of the numbers of participants and volunteers for
2014.
Islands
.
8
Nassau
Abaco
Andros
Berry Islands
Bimini
Eleuthera
Exuma
Grand Bahama
Inagua
Long Island
Total
No.
Units
28
5
2
1
1
4
2
11
1
1
56
No. Participants
Volunteers
943
153
80
20
25
127
73
444
35
9
1909
68
12
5
2
2
12
4
28
3
1
137
9
2013 Regional Statistics – Americas
National Award Operator (NAO)
Independent Award Centre (IAC)
2013 STATISTICS
Participation
2013
2012
36
2,169
314
60
426
7,241
43,919
134
124
0
1,472
78
384
51
76
1,658
140
0
711
0
40,227
137
155
66
2,500
0
140
37
641
10
7,120
NAO TOTAL
IAC TOTALS
AMERICAS
Antigua & Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Bermuda
Brazil
Canada
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Jamaica
St Lucia
St Vincent
Trinidad and
Tobago
Turks & Caicos
USA
AMERICAS
TOTAL
%
change
Awards Gained
%
change
2013
2012
%
change
2013
2012
-53
31
124
100
-40
100
9
-2
-20
-100
-41
100
174
38
40
1,497
219
429
296
5,595
11,498
46
124
0
2,342
78
313
51
32
1,321
119
0
318
0
12,470
106
42
83
1,295
0
65
47
25
13
84
100
-7
100
-8
-57
195
-100
81
100
384
9
34
492
33
105
163
1,764
5,148
38
72
0
725
0
0
39
49
519
22
0
137
0
4,580
109
13
94
646
0
3
37
-31
-5
50
100
19
100
12
-65
454
-100
12
0
-100
5
698
0
0
-8
100
100
623
11
3,797
580
0
0
7
100
100
485
12
2,035
243
0
0
100
100
100
64,179
46,545
38
26,959
16,478
64
11,145
6,452
73
554
7,902
-93
379
6,075
-94
134
1,318
-90
64,733
54,447
19
27,338
22,553
21
11,279
7,770
45
KEY
New NAO in comparison to 2012
No return - unlicensed
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New Entrants
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Americas Region Statistics
This chart deals with overall participation.
The Bahamas ranks fourth out of seventeen countries in the Americas Region.
Bahamas is fifth in total number of new participants registered
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Awards
The total number of participants who presented themselves for their respective Awards
increased 19%. Units from six islands, including New Providence saw persons receive their
certificates and pins.
In Nassau, we had two-hundred & twenty-seven receive their Bronze, ninety Silver recipients
and eighteen Gold Awardees. Following closely behind was Freeport. Approximately onehundred & sixteen Bronze Awards, seventy-five Silvers and nine Gold Awards were
presented. Also receiving Awards were Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma.
To qualify for the Awards, the following requirements must be met:
Bronze Award:
 Three months participation in a Physical Recreation, Skill and Service.
 An additional three months in either Physical Recreation, Skill and Service.
 Successful completion of a two-day, one night expedition, covering 15 miles or more.
 Persons issued new white record books must complete pages 1, 2, 22, 23 and 24.
 Produce a log of all activities.
For Bronze recipients , Silver requirements include:
 Six months participation in Physical Recreation, Skill and Service.
 Successful completion of a three-day, two nights expedition, covering 30 miles or an
exploration.
 Persons issued new white record books must complete pages 1, 2, 32, 33 and 34.
 Produce a log of all activities undertaken.
For Silver recipients, Gold requirements include:
 Twelve months participation in Physical Recreation, Skill and Service.
 Successful completion of a three-day, two nights expedition covering 50 miles or an
exploration, or other adventurous activity.
 Persons issued new white record books must complete pages 1, 2, 42, 43 and 44.
 Produce a log of all activities undertaken.
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Twenty (20) participants received their Gold Award from former Governor General His Excellency, Sir Arthur
Foulkes. The Hon. Dr. Daniel Johnson, Minister of Youth presented them the Gold pins. This presentation took
place on the patio of Government House. Gold Recipients pose here with Sir Arthur Foulkes, Hon. Dr. Daniel
Johnson, the validation team, Chairman, GGYA’s Management Council and GGYA‘s National Director.
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Awards 2014
Males
Females
Total
Bronze
205
199
404
Silver
73
108
181
Gold
17
10
27
Total
295
317
612
Training
This area is the core element in the delivering a quality Programme. We continued to
implement best practices to ensure that all persons were equipped with the tools and
knowledge to allow for growth and development. Volunteers and participants were
engaged in training sessions locally and internationally.
Training courses held in The Bahamas were:
 The International Award Association (IAA) Award Course
 Adventurous Journey Section
 Water Safety Course
International courses included:
 Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council, (CASC) Adventurous Journey, Assessors and
Supervisors training
 IAA On Line Record Book (ORB)
 Branding
A total of ninety (90) persons completed the courses held here:
 Forty-two completed the IAA training course
 Forty-eight persons completed the session on the adventurous journey training course
 One hundred & fifty-three participants completed the water safety course
Five GGYA personnel traveled to St. Vincent & The Grenadines to complete the international
courses.
The IAA Award topics were:
 Award History & Philosophy
 The Award General Conditions
 The Four Sections and Residential Project
 The International Family
 Managing the Award
The Adventurous Journey course included:
 Aims and objectives
 Types of expeditions/explorations
 Safety and emergency procedures,
including first aid
 Land navigation
 Equipment and its care
 Camp craft
 Role of the supervisor/assessors
 Codes
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The water safety course includes: theory and practical sessions
Theory topics were:
 Classes of fire
 The fire triangle
 Lifebuoys
 Protection from cold
 Life raft/life boat
 Search & rescue
The practical aspects involve groups of six to seven. Each group is outfitted with a life jacket
and each person enters the water from a refit
dock and swim to a recovery position. The group
also has to stabilize a life raft and upright a
capsized raft. CASC courses cover the same topics
as the adventurous journey.
The Online Record Book and branding were
refresher courses for those in attendance. These
tools have been developed to enhance the
Award’s ability to grow, deliver more participants
and assist in ensuring a quality experience across
the globe.
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Adventurous Journey
Throughout the Award world, this section, is perhaps the most popular and at times the
most challenging. With three different types of format: expedition on foot, explorations and
other adventurous activity, (for Gold only) this section seeks to provide participants with a
unique, challenging and memorable experience.
In The Bahamas, expeditions on foot continue to be the major format for the GGYA
adventurous journeys. Participants from all areas of The Bahamas join the Programme to
experience a sense of adventure and discovery.
A total of 780 participants took part in fourteen qualifying expeditions, including the
Bahamas Award Super Expedition (BASE) and Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council (CASC)
Adventurous Journey.
Five-hundred & forty-five participants completed their Bronze qualifying expeditions. A total
of 11 were held on the following islands:
 4 on North Eleuthera
 2 Grand Bahama
 1 Central Eleuthera
 1 North Andros
 1 Abaco
 1 Exuma
 1 Inagua
At the Silver level, one hundred & sixty-six persons had three opportunities to qualify for this
section. One In Central Andros, two in Grand Bahama and at B.A.S.E.
There were only two opportunities in 2014 to complete the Gold requirement and the
Residential Project. We had sixty-nine Gold participants completed their expedition in
Inagua and two took part in CASC, held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
North Andros
Central Andros
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Grand Bahama
North Eleuthera
Bahamas Award Super Expedition (B.A.S.E)
BASE continues to be very popular with our participants.
Code name “Lighthouse Wilderness,” this BASE was the largest since 2004. A total of 147
persons took part. The total consisted of 121 participants, 6 trainees and 20 staff.
The group departed Nassau on board the M/V Lady Rosalind 11 Friday, June 27 at 6:00pm
and arrived in Inagua on Sunday, June 29 at 6am (36 hours).
Three adventurous journey levels of the Award were catered too Bronze, Silver and Gold.
Training courses in the Award Programme for new volunteers were conducted.
Additionally, the Gold participants completed the required Residential Project.
B.A.S.E activities began on Sunday, June 29 at the Inagua All Age School located in Matthew
Town. The first item on the Programme was registration, followed by the initial briefing and
official opening ceremony. Participants were assigned to their respective groups for the
expedition and base camp duties during the first briefing.
The adventurous journey took the format of an expedition on foot. The sections were given
code names as follows: the Gold Parrots; Silver Light and the Bronze Boars.
The 10 Gold groups consisted of 69 participants; Silvers had 2 groups of 14 persons and the
Bronze section comprised 6 groups of 38 participants.
The routes took the participants to the light house, the salt ponds, along the canal and Lake
Rosa and through the Bahamas National Park. (where the Flamingo habit is located as well as
most of the rare birds and wild donkeys). They also had the opportunity to view the parrots
up close. Some of them observed baby owls right in town!
17
The Gold expedition covered 4 days and 3 nights whereas the Silver section lasted 3 days and
2 nights. The Bronze section completed their adventure in 2 days and 1 night.
The Gold community service took place at the Flamingo Park. Participants conducted a major
cleanup of the area that sustained damage from a series of hurricanes.
Campsites were located along the banks of Lake Rosa, the Flamingo Park, and the beach near
the old sisal factory.
Following the expedition participants were treated to a night at the Goombay festival followed
by a talent showcase and closing events.
Special guest speakers included the Family Island Administrator, Ms. Velma Colebrooke and
the school’s principal Ms. Allison Wood.
Fr. Julian Glover gave the opening prayer and addressed the participants during the church
service held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church.
This year, BASE welcomed back the RBDF Rangers. Thirteen Rangers completed the Bronze
expedition.
A special thank you to all who made B.A.S.E a tremendous success.
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B.A.S.E allows GGYA participants to network and gain a greater appreciation of their country .
The Bahamas Award Super Expedition, (B.A.S.E), started in 1992 to give GGYA participants
opportunities to:
 Experience adventure and discovery on different Family Islands.
 Create an opportunity for participants from different islands to share skills and
experiences.
 Encourage young people to be disciplined, responsible, take initiative and be resourceful.
 To give them opportunities to receive training in the adventurous journey section and
fulfill the requirements for that section.
 Opportunities for achievement and fulfillment in challenging situations.
 Gold participants are able to complete the required residential project.
B.A.S.E has been held on the following twelve (12) Family Islands to date, including three that
did not involve setting up a base camp. These were: Abaco, Andros, Berry Islands, Bimini, Cat
Island, Crooked Island, Eleuthera, Exuma, Grand Bahama, Inagua, Long Island and
San Salvador.
The first ever sailing expedition to five islands was held in 2002 to celebrate ten years of
hosting B.A.S.E. These islands included Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador, Long Island and
Exuma. Sailing expeditions took place in 2005 and 2012 for the Caribbean Award Sub-Regional
Council Expedition and again in 2007 as part of the GGYA 20th anniversary celebrations.
We have also had participants from Bermuda, Scotland, Canada and Jamaica taking part in
B.A.S.E in 1999, 2005, 2008 and 2009.
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International Events
Two major events included the International Gold Event (IGE), meeting and the Caribbean
Award Sub-Regional Council (CASC) meeting and expedition.
International Gold Event (IGE)
For the fourth time, a GGYA Gold Award Holder, (GAH) in the person of Ms. Arvis Mortimer,
was elected as one of the Americas Region Youth Rep’s at the Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Gold Event. Held under the theme, “Leadership for a Transformed Award,” the
event took place in Seoul, Korea, October 23, to November 4. Also attending from The
Bahamas was Mr. Javier Forbes.
There were 80 GAH representing 35 countries. The countries included Australia, the
Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Bermuda, Cameroon, Canada, Cayman Islands, Czech
Republic, Finland, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Jordan,
Kenya, Korea, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, New Zealand, Nigeria,
Seychelles, South Africa, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, U.K. and Zambia.
The immense diversity of the attendees proved to us that the GGYA is a truly an
international organization. All delegates were involved in leadership training and the
Emerging Leaders Forum. Field visits were an integral part of IGE 2014. Their main purpose
was to bring to life the nine impact measures used to rate the Award. It should also be
mentioned that the data from the impact measurers are used as a basis for decision making
within the Award. Therefore to better familiarize the delegates about the importance of this
information each group was assigned to one of the nine areas - alternative education,
improving employability, health and wellbeing, civic participation, social inclusion, the
environment, helping gender equality and empowerment, reducing reoffending rates group,
and alternative education.
Also in attendance were World Fellowship and International Council Members.
The International council consists of the Trustees, the Secretary General of the International
Award Foundation plus 12 regional and 8 emerging leaders representatives were elected.
The Regional representatives hailed from Africa, Americas, Asia, Pacific and EMAS (Europe,
Mediterranean and Arab States). Other events included a garden social and gala dinner
with HRH The Earl of Wessex.
20
Caribbean Award Sub-Regional (C.A.S.C) Expedition/AGM
The 2014 Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council (C.A.S.C), expedition was held July 25 to
August 12, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Eight countries were represented: Bermuda,
Cayman Islands, Dominica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Lucia, The Bahamas and the
host country, St. Vincent.
Participants and volunteers were engaged in training courses that included the Americas
Region Supervisors and Assessors training syllabus and the PAHO Disaster Management
Course. A review of the adventurous journey section was covered before the groups began
the expedition to the famous La Soufriere dormant volcano.
The GGYA had a small group of five persons attending that was made up of two Gold
participants, one volunteer for the training section and two staff members.
Two events took place before the start of C.A.S.C and these were a review of the Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award new branding pack and the annual general meeting.
Mr. Jack Thompson, Council Chair, and Ms. Mortimer attended the AGM and opening of
C.A.S.C.
Attending the AGM were representatives from 10 countries that included The Bahamas,
Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Vincent &
The Grenadines and Trinidad & Tobago.
Bahamas Contingents from L to
R: Genymphas Higgs, Devard
Saunders, Ms. Mortimer, Jason
Curry, DeShawn McGregor and
Mr. Jack Thompson, GGYA
Chairman, Management Council.
On top of La Soufriere volcano from L to R: DeShawn McGregor, Genymphas Higgs
and Devard Saunders.
21
Courtesy Call
The Governor General Youth Award (GGYA) Board of Trustees & Management Council paid a
courtesy call on our new patron, Her Excellency Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General,
at Government House. Pictured sitting left to right: Denise Mortimer, His Excellency Sir Orville
Turnquest, Her Excellency Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, His Excellency
Sir Arthur Foulkes, Rosamund Roberts, and Nancy Kelly. Standing from left: Suzanne Black,
Kathryn Elza, Everette Mackey, Susan Glinton, Jack Thompson, Arvis Mortimer, Edward Bethel,
Felix Stubbs, Portia Sweeting, and Lt. Commander Shone Pinder.
National Service Projects
The GGYA continued to take the lead in worthwhile service projects such as the international
coastal event and HIV/AIDS Awareness. One unit was able to lend a hand again to the LPGA
Pure Silk Gold tournament held February 7— 9. Other events included the annual Youth
March organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture.
Family island units remained active with beach restoration exercises and clean ups.
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Golf Tournament
This major fundraising event was held Sunday, June 27, at One and Only Ocean Club Golf
course on Paradise Island. Sponsor by the Atlantis Resort, one-hundred local golfers suited up
to raise funds for the GGYA.
The winning team had the opportunity to travel to London and take part in the Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award Cup held at Buckingham Palace.
A total of $45,000.00 was raised.
22
Gold Award Holders Association (GAHA)
The purpose of the Gold Award Holders Association (GAHA) is to educate, serve and unite.
GAHA fosters culturally responsible youth, positively impact the community, and strengthen
communication between the National Award Authority (NAA), volunteers, GAHA, alumni
and participants
The GAHA held several events in 2014. These included:
 Bahamas Gold Event
The second bi-annual Bahamas Gold Event took place on Grand Bahama, May 30 to June 1.
With the theme, “Golden Opportunities,” GAHs were engaged in discussions on several
money matters such as managing finances, investments and seizing financial opportunities.
Leading these discussions were Mr. Greg Bullard, President of Clean Communications
Network.

Central Eleuthera High School and Adelaide Service Projects
On Saturday June 6, six GAH assisted GGYA Central Eleuthera High School participants with a
clean-up of that school.
The next major clean up was conducted at the South Beach pools on Saturday October 18.
Fifteen GAH assisted with this campaign.
GAH also assisted with the International Coastal Clean on September 20 and provided much
needed supervision at the popular youth march organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports &
Culture on October 6.
23
Financial Report
The year 2014 has come and gone and we in the GGYA Programme have a lot to be grateful
for. In spite of many cut backs all around us, we were able to execute all our financial
obligations in a timely manner. Yes, our donations were down compared to 2013 and the
Government grant was also reduced as felt by all other organizations in the country. However
the GGYA marched on.
In 2015 we will have to again tighten our belt and be more stringent in our spending. There is
still much work to be done and we must find the most economical way to get more young
people involved and completing the Programme. Some cuts are foreseeable if the present
trend continues. However, we are hopeful that eventually we will return to pre 2014 funding
levels. Our budget projection for 2015 is lower than 2014, even though we have hired a new
support staff member for New Providence to bolster the Programme’s productivity.
As usual, we thank the government and people of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas for the
confidence and trust placed in this initiative. To our many sponsors and supporters who
responded favourably to our annual appeal, we are grateful. Thanks also to the many
volunteers, especially the unit coordinators, who enable the GGYA to run like a well oiled
machine. Without you, the funding alone would not cut it. To all Board and Council members,
keep up the good work and let us improve upon our work allowing us to take this Programme
to higher heights.
Everette Z. Mackey
Treasurer
24
INCOME 2014
0%
5% 1% 1% 8%
9%
8%
1%
0%
42%
14%
EXPENSES 2014
1
2
3
6%
23,672.75
25,765.00
26,536.50
1,750.00
440.53
45,025.00
35,000.00
132,000.00
1290.00
15,233.00
3,679.05
3,220.00
313,611.83
Account Balances 2014 - As of 12/31/2014
Bank Accounts
TOTAL Bank Accounts
25
3
3%
1%
EXPENSES
Advertisement-PR
Auto
Expeditions
Insurances
Misc.
Office Operation
Program Operation
Rent
Salaries/Emoluments
Training
Travel
Utilities
Website
TOTAL EXPENSES
INCOME/EXPENSES
Account
GGYA
Gov Grant
2
7%
6
$
1
14%
5
Appeal-Donation
BASE Expedition
Expeditions
CASC Registration
Interest Inc
Kerzner Golf Tournament
Lyford Cay Endowment
MOY Gold Initiative
Other Inc
Participants Registration
Reimbursement
Rental
TOTAL RECEIPTS
2%
27%
25%
4
11%
4% 5% 2%
4%
$
$
Balance
31,926.48
96,713.78
$ 128,640.26
4
9,488.29
8,824.33
111,724.44
29,629.45
1529.24
10,301.18
55,933.37
25,298.40
103,051.95
16,930.37
16,031.04
22,003.23
410, 745.29
$
(97,133.46)
Special Reports
International Council (IC)
The International Council consists of the Trustees and the Secretary General of the
International Award Foundation, plus 12 regional representatives and eight emerging leaders
representatives who were elected at the IGE in 2014.
The 12 regional representatives include:
Africa - Cameroon, Uganda and Mauritius
Americas - Bahamas (Mr. Jack Thompson), Barbados and Bermuda
Asia Pacific - Australia, India and Hong Kong
EMAS (Europe, Mediterranean and Arab States) - Finland, Germany and United Kingdom
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award recently adopted a new theme for the 2014 –
2020 Strategy.
The new focus is centered around the theme “Equipping young people for life.”
The Award is already available in 68 countries and territories but there are always requests for
further work to develop New National Award Operators (NAO’s).
There are Independent Award centre (IAC’s) in around 80 countries and territories.
The DOE International Award headline targets for 2020 include:
 750,000 (International Award) new entrants each year
 500,000 participants gaining an Award each year
 20% of all participation to be by “at risk” and marginalized young people
To achieve our ambition, we will work on four key areas:
i. Resourcing: finding and retaining suitable humans and financial resources
ii. Communications: promoting and profiling the Award.
iii. Operations: developing a quality Award infrastructure for participants.
iv. Ensuring continuity and quality experience.
The International Trustees of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation:
Gregory Belton CVO KCHS, Canada Chairman
HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO, United Kingdom
Paul Bell, United Kingdom
Lord Boateng, United Kingdom
Olawale Edun, Nigeria
Muna Issa , The Bahamas
Kwek Leng Joo, Singapore
Alan Jones OBE, United Kingdom
Andrew Smith, United Kingdom
Garth Weston, Australia
26
Measuring the Impact
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award developed the impact measures by examining
existing research and evidence on the Award’s effectiveness as a youth development tool.
The nine impact measures are:
 Improved educational attainment
 Improved employability and sustainable livelihoods
 Improved health & well-being
 Increased participation in civic life
 Social Inclusion
 Environment
 Gender equality and the empowerment of women
 Reduction and prevention of violence, conflict resolution and peace-building
 Reduced reoffending (recidivism) rates
All NAA’s have been encourage to measure the Award’s impact based on young people’s own
reports of how doing the Award has transformed their outlook, but it also takes into account
the views of employers, educational institutions, parents and youth leaders.
We have began the process by measuring our impacts on the lives of the participants here in
The Bahamas.
Five units agreed to conduct a survey on at least four of the impact measures. These were St.
Augustine’s College, The College of The Bahamas, Aquinas College, North Andros High School
and Queen’s College.
We have included here the survey done by the College of The Bahamas unit under the
guidance of Ms. Sytia Bootle, GAH and student coordinator.
Over the past two months, 40 surveys were distributed to and completed by past and present
GGYA participants on the C.O.B campus
They were asked how the Award Programme has impacted their views and any changing experiences on the four impacts chosen:
 Improved Health & Well-Being
 Social Inclusion
 Environment
 Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
Imposed Health & Well-Being
21 out of 40 said that GGYA has caused them:
 Become more health conscious due to strain of adventurous journeys.
 Experience weight loss
 Remaining 19 said although they were fairly active prior to joining GGYA, they became
more active through their involvement in the Programme
 Appreciated personal experiences.
 Physical recreation aspect of the Programme produced and have shown many benefits.
27
Social Inclusion
29 out of 40 participants said that they:
 Never experienced problems with social inclusion or finding friends.
However, the remaining 9 individuals spoke of entering the Programme not having much
friends and were socially excluded.
With mandatory groups and team work, the Programme gave them an opportunity to be
apart of something, make new friends and feel important.
GGYA builds team work skills, relationship-building, social importance and acceptance.
Environment
35 out of 40 participants indicated that:
 They developed a greater care and consideration for the environment through their involvement with the various GGYA coastal and community service projects.
 Developed a greater appreciation for the environment and avenues to help save planet
earth.
 Developed a passion towards service projects, edifying the environment and making a difference. E.g. the Blue Water Project

Believe in the Award country code motto: “Leave the area cleaner than you met it.”
Gender equality and the empowerment of women
25 out of 40 females indicated that:
 Experienced a chance to take the lead and be independent, especially on adventurous journeys.
E.g. “In a world where man are said to be the dominant and stronger gender, being apart in an
all-female group, the Programme has impacted their lives. They had to fend for themselves
and take on the role of strong, independent individuals. All participants are given the same opportunities and privileges.” ...COB female participants


28
The fact that there are more females than males in the COB unit is an indication that
women are ready to take on the challenge and excel.
Create an atmosphere of gender equality.
.
Akhepran International Academy
Ms. Lenora Hawk
Anatol Rodgers High School
Ms. Carola Walker
Ms. Elaine Vildsint
Ms. Darlene Lewis
Nassau Christian Academy
Mrs. Janice Cameron
Mr. Steve Williams
Mr. Howard Roye
Ms. Shereen Grey
New Providence Classical School
Ms. Kendra Bowe
C.C. Sweeting Sr.
Ms. Philippa Shaw
Queen’s College
Ms. Lauren Blackwell –Russelll
Ms. Siracheous Fraser
Mr. Daniel Homewood
Mrs. Megan Homewood
Ms. Rebecca Gray
Ms. Angela Fothergill
C.H. Reeves Jr. School
Mr. Henry Curry
R.M. Bailey High School
Mr. Rudy Murray
Aquinas College
Ms. Renee McSweeney
Mr. Brian Tappin
C.I. Gibson High School
Mrs. Anishka Johnson
Ms. Elizabeth Ahwah-Roberts
College of The Bahamas
Ms. Sytia Bootle
C.R. Walker High School
Mr. Alan Pinto
Mr. Thomas Cruz
Mrs. Melaine Johnson-Stubbs
C.V. Bethel High School
Mr. Terez Rolle
Mrs. Rayshell Rolle
Mrs. Charlisa Miller
Ms. Indria Thompson
Doris Johnson High School
Ms. Janet Cartwright
Ms. Denise Lowe
Ms. Dora Boston
Government High School
Ms. Monique Cooper
Ms. Deanne Cooper
Mr. David King
Mrs. Diane Saunders
HOPE Academy
Ms. Emily White
Jordan Prince William High School
Ms. Delia Peart
Kingsway Academy
Ms. Marilyn Fagan
Ms. Phillippa Perpall-Ferguson
Mrs. Sophia Sterling
Ms. Nathalya Pratt
Lyford Cay International School
Mr. David Mindorff
Ms. Flora Munroe
Mr. Sam Nelson
Ms. Ashish Gilbert
Mt. Carmel Preparatory
Mrs. Lakisha Rolle-Ingraham
Mr. Christopher Bastian
Mr. Christopher Mackey
29
St. Francis de Sales
Mr. Fenton Ramotar
S.C. Bootle High School
Mr. Roodatram Kawalram
Mrs. Curlain Coakley –Sawyer
Ms. Tiffany Williams
Ms. Michelle Clarke
Ms. Kayetta Brown
Central Andros High School
Mr. Ricardo Johnson
Ms. Renea Newbold
North Andros High School
Mrs. Ann Rolle
Mrs. Marsha McDonald
Royal Bahamas Defence Force Rangers Mr. Deon Williams
L/S Kelsey Missick
St. Andrews High School
Mrs. Vivienne Missick
Ms. Nicola Preston
St. Anne’s High School
Mrs. Claudette Smith
Mr. Keri Duncan
St. Augustine’s College
Mrs. Donna Saunders
Mrs. Crista Beckford
Mrs. Philona Agam-DaCosta
Mr. Michael Lee
Ms. Shauna Arthurs
St. Barnabas Boys Brigade
Mr. Henry Curry
St. John’s College
Mrs. Jacquetta Maycock
Mrs. Prista Coleby
Ms. Agatha Thompson
Temple Christian High School
Ms. Michelle Rolle
Mr. Franklyn Burrows
Mrs. Dulcie Self
Home School Leadership Academy
Ms. Shikera Sawyer
Ms. April Sawyer
Ms. Gloria Sawyer
Abaco Central High
Mr. Rori Young
Mr. Conlife Green
Ms. Andrea Peart
Mrs. Magdalene Mills
Ms. Jacyntha Miller
Agape Christian Academy
Ms. Euna Gobin
Forest Heights Academy
Mr. James Richard
Ms. Tia Knowles
R.N. Gomez All Age School
Ms. Jan Turnquest
Ms. Shakira Farrington
Louise McDonald High School
Ms. Berylyn Smith
Ms. Nikita Brooks
Central Eleuthera High
Ms. Lucy Longley
Mrs. Sandra Marshall-Forbes
Mrs. Caroline Rolle
Deep Creek Middle School
Ms. Rashida Sweeting
Ms. Odette Pretty
Harbour Island All Age School
Mr. Leslie Simon
Ms. Angirece Major
North Eleuthera High School
Ms. Dernear Munnings
Preston H. Albury High School
Mrs. Claudia Wilson
Mrs. Joanna Parker
Mr. Hilbert Richards Jr.
Ms. Tamika Rahming
L.N. Coakley High School
Ms. Shantell Rolle
St. Andrews Anglican
Mrs. Junann Lewis
Alpha Omega Christian School
Ms. Carol Moxey
Bishop Michael Eldon High School
Ms. Simone Hutson
Mr. Robert Higgs
Mrs. Kristi Jankevics-Rose
Ms. Elaine Gomez
Ms. Tabitha Newbold
Eight Mile Rock High
Ms. Schvonne Wilmore
Grand Bahama Catholic High
Mrs. Theameaka Francis
Mrs. Mary Ann Jones
Mrs. Ann Farquharson
Mr. Devon Wilson
Lucaya International School
Dr. Sylvia Bateman
Mrs. Julie Shepherd
Jack Hayward Jr. High School
Ms. Patrice McPhee
Ms. Rochelle Anderson
Mr. Arnold Martin
Jack Hayward Sr. High School
Ms Sandra Laing
Mr. Jonathan Cooper
St. George’s High School
Mr. Keith Saunders
Mr. Sterling Christie
Ms. Stephanie Culmer
St. Paul’s Methodist
Ms. Annika Linton
Mr. Kemelo Porteous
Mr. Rawle Layne
Sunland Baptist Academy
Mrs. Lavender Roberts
Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy
Mrs. Ashell Bain
Mr. Nolan Dorsette
Mr. Floyd Giddings
Inagua All Age School
Ms. Simone Murphy-Palacious
Ms. Lakeria Rolle
Ms. Ieasha Pinder
N.G.M.Major High School
Mrs. Kimberly Cartwright-Knowles
GGYA Staff :
New Providence
Office Administrator
Acknowledgements:
Bahamas Business Solutions
Bahamas Fast Ferries
Bahamas
Independent Secondary Schools
Mrs. Alicia Owens-Newton
#11 Patton Street, Palmdale
Principals’
Association
Assistant Office Administrator
P. O. Box SS-19228
Bahamas
Red Cross
Mrs. Althea Adderley
Nassau, Bahamas
Bahamas
National
Trust
Tel: 242-326-1760/1
Grand Bahama Part-time Officers
Bahamas Scouts Association
Vibe: 225-8876
Ms. Sandra Laing (January - September)
Bahamas
Waste Management
Ms. Patrice McPhee (October - Present)
Fax: 242-328-4420
Bookworld
& Stationers
Face book: Gigi Wayeh
Gold Award Holders Association
BTC
[email protected]
Executive Officers
Cable Bahamas Cares Foundation
[email protected]
L/S Javier Forbes, President
D.C. Technology
Ms. Anna-Mirelle Martin, 1st Vice President
www.bahamasggya.org
Family
Islands
Local Government
Mr. Clifton Francis, 2nd Vice President
Freeport News
Mrs. Rayshell Rolle, Secretary
Mr. Jason Curry, Assistant Secretary
Gippy’s Printing
Mr. Lamar Pinder, Treasurer
Government Secondary Schools Principals’
Mr. DeShawn McGregor, Assistant Treasurer
Association
Ms. Loukeisha Missick, Public Relations
Grand
Bahama
Port Authority
Ms. Arvis Mortimer, Assistant Public Relation
Mrs. Jacquetta Maycock, Adviser
Inagua All Age School
Kelly’s Home Centre, Ltd.
Kerzner International Bahamas Ltd.
Love 97 FM
Lyford
Cay Foundation
Adventurous Journey Panel Members
Ministry of Education, Science &
Mr. Jason Curry, Chair
L/S Omar Albury, Deputy Chair
Technology
Inspector Deanne Cooper
Ministry of Youth, Sports & Culture
L/S Christopher Fernander
Mr. Kareem Mortimer
L/S Javier Forbes
North Eleuthera Primary School
Mr. Clifton Francis, Grand Bahama
M/M Kevin Hall
Outdoor Sportsman
Ms. Italia Hutchinson
Precision Media
Mrs. Lakisha Rolle-Ingraham, Secretary
Royal
Bank of Canada
Mr. Alfred Lewis, Grand Bahama
Royal
Bahamas
Defence Force
Ms. Sandra Laing, Grand Bahama
Grand Bahama
Royal Bahamas Police Force
HMP Officer Dwight Maycock
Ms. Loukeisha Missick
St. John’s College
Kipling Building A, Suite #5
Mr. Andrew Mortimer
The Maillis Family
Tel: 242-352-4978
Mrs. Diane Saunders, Assistant Secretary
The
Nassau Guardian
Mr. Keith Saunders, Grand Bahama
[email protected]
The Punch
Mrs. Donna Saunders, Medic
[email protected]
Ms. Denise Mortimer, Adviser
The Tribune
ZNS
Royal Bahamas Defence Force
Chief P/O Lawson Clarke (retired)
L/S Omar Albury
L/S Javier Forbes
L/S Christopher Fernander
M/M Kevin Hall
A/B Howard Williams
L/S Kelsey Missick
30
New Providence
31