KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Five outstanding Jamaicans will be conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the country’s fourth highest honor, for service to the nation in various fields.
They lead the list of more than 120 persons who will be recognized at the 2023 National Honours and Awards Ceremony on National Heroes Day, which will be observed on Monday.
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen will preside over the ceremony, which will be held on the lawns of King’s House – the official residence of the head of state.
The OJ recipients are Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies, Dr. Howard Gregory, for religion service; Marcia Linneth Griffiths, for sterling contribution to Reggae Music locally and internationally; Audley Shaw, for sterling contribution to political administration in Jamaica; Charles Henry Johnston, for outstanding contribution to Jamaica’s shipping and logistics industry, and Paul Barnaby Scott, for exceptional contribution to the business industry, investment and philanthropy in Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Twenty-seven persons will be conferred with the Order of Distinction (in the rank of Commander (CD); 36 will receive the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD); two civilians will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry (BH(G)); 28 will be conferred with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service (BH(M)); and 29 will receive the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.
Late firefighter Larenzo Douse will be bestowed with the Medal of Honour for Gallantry.
The Medal of Honour is awarded to members of the uniformed services who have performed acts of gallantry or acts of heroism or have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
As is customary, several members of the unformed groups will be awarded the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service – 25 from the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 22 from the Department of Correctional Service, and 31 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade.
Under the National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, provision is made for those outstanding Jamaicans to be conferred with one of the honors of the Orders of the six Societies of Honour.
The six honors are the Order of National Hero, the Order of the Nation, the Order of Excellence, the Order of Merit, the Order of Jamaica, and the Order of Distinction.
There is also the Medal or Badge of Honour, which recognizes gallantry and commendable service.
The National Honours and Awards Ceremony will be preceded by ‘Salute to the Heroes’ – the laying of floral tributes by officials of State and Government at the monuments honoring the seven National Heroes at the National Heroes Park in Kingston.
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