WESTERN BUREAU:

AS THE decay of moral values in Jamaica becomes more prevalent, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen chided the get-rich-quick mentality and urged citizens to re-evaluate their attitudes towards nation building.

"Unfortunately, in this microwave era, the discipline … and hard work are being lost. We have seen a get-rich-quick mentality, the schemes and scams to that intent giving rise to criminal activities, which not only cause financial disaster to many, but results in social instability and loss of lives," Sir Allen revealed.

He was speaking at the 21st staging of the Governor General's Achievement Awards (GGAA) held at the Tryall Club in Hopewell, Hanover, last Thursday.

"The positive message from this ceremony is that legitimate achievements are not only recognised, they are lasting, they build strong caring families, they build communities and they build the nation," he added.

Custos Rotulorum for Hanover Dr David Stair expressed similar sentiments.

"Let's not lose that spirit of generosity and reject the self-centredness that has invaded our society, which threatens to destroy us as a nation. Spend some time to review the successes and failures of Jamaica, so that we can help to make Jamaica the place to live, do business and raise families," he added.

15 HONOURED

Fifteen awardees from Trelawny, St James, Hanover, Westmoreland and St Elizabeth - who are from modest economic and social backgrounds - were honoured for having devoted themselves through community involvement to ensuring the empowerment and well-being of fellow Jamaicans.

This is the 21st staging of the GGAA programme, which has now presented more than 380 awards over three categories: the GGAA for Excellence for persons between ages 25 and 35 years old; the GGAA for persons over 35 years; and the GGAA Youth Award for Excellence, which was added in 2006 and is presented to persons 18 to 24 years old with impressive histories of academic excellence and community service.

sheena.gayle@gleanerjm.com