Former Bank of Jamaica governor to receive the country’s fifth-highest honor.

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica is Monday honoring six of its nationals with the country’s fifth-highest award, the Order of Jamaica (OJ), as Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen presides over the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honors and Awards, which coincides with National Heroes Day.

Former Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) Governor, Richard Byles; the Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, MP; the chief executive officer of Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca; philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang; as well as former ministers Maxine Henry-Wilson and Derrick Smith are being bestowed with the honor.

A government statement said that they are among the 140 Jamaicans being recognized for their sterling contribution to nation-building. T

It said that 25 other people will be conferred with the Order of Distinction (in the rank of Commander (CD)); 41 with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD); 33 with the Badge of Honor for Meritorious Service (BH (M); and 30 with the Badge of Honor for Long and Faithful Service.

Three civilians will receive the Badge of Honor for Gallantry (BH (G)). They are Danielle Anna-Marie Barnswell and her husband, Councilor Scean Barnswell, and Susan Annmarie Higgins.

As customary, several members of the uniformed groups will receive the Medal of Honor for Meritorious Service, including 25 from the Jamaica Constabulary Force; 13 from the Department of Correctional Service; 15 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade; and 12 from the Jamaica Defense Force.

Under the National Honors and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, the six honors are the Order of National Hero, Order of the Nation, Order of Excellence, Order of Merit, Order of Jamaica, and the Order of Distinction.