National Director of the Governor General’s Youth Award (GGYA), Jacquetta Maycock paid a courtesy call on Commander Defence Force, Commodore Floyd Moxey at the Ministry of National Security, John F. Kennedy Drive on Wednesday, 07 August, 2025.
The meeting focused on strengthening the partnership between the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) and the GGYA program, recognizing the ongoing commitment of RBDF marines to mentoring and supporting young Bahamians.
The GGYA, a part of the international Duke of Edinburgh’s Award framework, is a premier youth development initiative that challenges young people aged 14 to 24 to grow through voluntary service, physical recreation, and personal skills development. It instills discipline, leadership, and a strong sense of community service, which are core values also shared by the Defence Force.
During the visit, Petty Officer Javier Forbes, who joined the GGYA in 1995, gave a heartfelt testimony about the program’s impact on his life. “The Defence Force has always been embedded in the GGYA,” Forbes noted. “Those who mentored me back then were marines, and now I see the same cycle continuing. Some of the young men and women in the room today, I brought them into the program as teens, and now they wear the uniform beside me. That’s a real succession plan in action.”
Ms. Jacquetta Maycock expressed her deep appreciation for the marines who assist the program. “The GGYA values the dedication and discipline the marines bring,” said Maycock. “When the public sees marines involved, it reassures them that this is a structured, safe, and purpose-driven environment. The young people look up to them.”
Commodore Moxey, in turn, thanked Ms. Maycock for her continued commitment to youth development, and extended heartfelt appreciation to the RBDF marines who have dedicated their time and energy to mentoring within the GGYA framework.
The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains steadfast in its commitment to youth empowerment, and proudly continues its partnership with the GGYA as a vehicle for national development, leadership, and positive change.
(RBDF Photos by: Marine Seaman Dante Forbes)
