Seven Diaspora Leaders Honoured with 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Awards

Seven members of Jamaica’s Diaspora, who have made meaningful contributions to the country’s development and given outstanding service to diaspora communities, were each presented with the 2026 Governor-General’s Achievement Award on Monday (June 15).

The Governor-General’s Achievement Award – Diaspora (GGAA-D) were conferred on Asha Richards and Dr. Richard White (United States); Kristina McPherson and Lisa Rutty (Canada); Karl Samuels (United Kingdom); Dr. Nicoleen Johnson (People’s Republic of China); and Dr. Sandra Colly-Durand (France).

The presentations were made by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, during a special ceremony at the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, currently being held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

Ms. Richards was recognised for her work in migration advocacy and disaster response initiatives; Ms. Rutty for her leadership in diaspora engagement and humanitarian support; Ms. McPherson for her dedication to mentorship and immigrant empowerment; and Dr. White for his efforts in advancing education and expanding access to social services.

Mr. Samuels was honoured for his work in preserving Caribbean heritage and strengthening communities; Dr. Colly-Durand for her significant contributions to diaspora mentorship and youth development; and Dr. Johnson for her efforts in strengthening trade, educational exchange, and cultural cooperation between Jamaica and China.

Ms. McPherson and Ms. Richards were recognised in the under-35 category, while the other five recipients were honoured in the over-35 category.

In his address, the Governor-General noted that the seven awardees exemplify steadfast service to Jamaica and have achieved significant distinction in their respective fields.

He affirmed that their accomplishments serve as a powerful reminder to all Jamaicans that excellence carries with it a responsibility to uplift others.

“Today’s awards represent our nation’s gratitude for your persistence and your continued devotion to Jamaica. They also reaffirm our resolve to deepen engagement with other diaspora through meaningful opportunities… opportunities for service, opportunities for mentorship and national development,” the Governor-General told the awardees.

He urged them not to regard the recognition as a final destination but rather as a steppingstone towards even greater impact.

“Let us remember that the true measure of a nation is not found in its size nor its wealth but in the willingness of its people to lift each other up. This is the story of Jamaica, that is the story of our diaspora and that is the story for which we honour you today,” the Governor-General affirmed.

He further noted that Monday’s ceremony not only honoured excellence but also celebrated belonging.

“Jamaicans everywhere, understand that home is more than a place. It is a connection of heart, heritage and shared purpose that transcends oceans, generations and time zones,” he declared.

The Governor-General paid tribute to members of the diaspora who have never forgotten the land that nurtured their earliest dreams and helped shape their values.

“The Jamaican Diaspora remains one of our nation’s greatest strengths. Through your achievements, your service and commitment, you have carried the spirit of Jamaica into communities all around the world,” he noted.

The Governor-General emphasised that members of the diaspora are not only partners in Jamaica’s development but also serve as ambassadors of the nation’s culture, customs, and heritage.

“This responsibility is especially important today. Many young people of Jamaican descent are growing up in far distant places. While they may be raised in different societies, they should never lose sight of the story that connects them to Jamaica,” he stated.

The Governor-General stressed that preserving that connection is not merely a cultural obligation but an investment in the nation’s future.

“We witnessed and are proud of the strength of our diaspora in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa where you offered significant support through mobilising resources, which demonstrated that distance does not diminish commitment,” he pointed out.

In his remarks, Conference Chair, Earl Jarrett, noted that the seven awardees, through their tireless contributions to national development, have exemplified the very best of the Jamaican spirit.

“You embody our culture of excellence that continues to define Jamaica on the world stage and fuel our drive to be the best in class. Your achievements affirm that no matter where Jamaicans reside, our connection to one another and to our country remains very strong,” he affirmed.

Since its inception in 2008, the Governor-General’s Achievement Awards – Diaspora have recognised and celebrated the outstanding contributions of members of the Jamaican Diaspora.

Initially focused on three countries – Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States – this year’s awards marked a significant milestone by extending eligibility to applicants residing in Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.

Mr. Jarrett welcomed the expansion of the awards to Jamaicans globally, while urging the recipients to continue embodying the spirit of volunteerism and empowerment, which epitomises the Awards.

Responding on behalf of the seven awardees, Dr. White expressed profound humility and gratitude for the recognition.

“We did not set out to earn these awards. Our dedication, our sacrifice, our service… these were not offerings made [for] recognition. They were offerings made for love… love of country, love of heritage, love of the people who shaped us, the island that formed us, and the Jamaica that we forever will love in our hearts,” he stated.