Updated: 18 April, 2006
Jamaica
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Jamaican Defence Force |
Medals of Jamaica Megan C. Robertson
Jamaican Medals and Awards Mike Smith
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Order of Distinction Medal from the Government of Jamaica Medal awarded to Ralph Millard calder.med.miami.edu |
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General Service Medal with the bar Grenada 1983-85 Image courtesy Emmanuel Halleux |
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Jamaica - PMs accept national honour with humility Prime Minister P J Patterson (left) and former prime ministers Hugh Shearer (centre) and Edward Seaga pose for a historic photo yesterday at Shearer's house after they, as well as late former prime ministers Donald Sangster and Michael Manley, were conferred with the Order of the Nation, the country's second highest honour. (Photo: Michael Gordon) |
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Jamaica - Former ADC to governor-general awarded medal of honour Major Dillion Christopher Lobban, former Aide de Camp (ADC) to Governor -General Sir Howard Cooke, was Tuesday awarded the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service. Major Lobban, who served as ADC to the governor-general from 1996 to 2002 is currently the commanding officer for the Alpha Company 2JR. (Jan 03) |
Queen honours five Jamaicans Five Jamaicans have been included on the Queen's birthday honours list, published last month. They are, William "Bill" Morris, trade unionist; Geoff Palmer, professor; Dr Isadora Aiken, governor at Sheffield Hallam University; Michael Lord, executive director of Sunjuice; and Errol Brown, musician. Jamaica Observer, Jamaica - 10 Jul 2003
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96 receive medal of freedom Prime Minister PJ Patterson presents a medal of appreciation to Joan Marlene Seaga-Gonzales at Wednesday evening's presentation ceremony at Emancipation Park. Seaga-Gonzales was presented with an award for service to Jamaican communities overseas. (Photo: Brian Cummings) The Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation was instituted in 1983 as a commemorative medal and was first awarded on the 25th anniversary of Jamaica's independence in 1962. The medal may be awarded to any person, group of persons, or agency, that the Prime Minister deems to have made a significant contribution to the economic, social, cultural or political development of Jamaica; or to Jamaicans residing abroad. Jamaica Observer, Jamaica 2 Aug 03 |
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Jamaica honour for Jimmy Cliff Reggae star Jimmy Cliff is to receive Jamaica's third highest honour, the Order of Merit. BBC News, UK - 8 Aug 2003 |
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Ernie Smith Musgrave Medal awardee In 1973 Ernie Smith became the first Jamaican popular musician to be honoured by the government when he received the Prime Minister's Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service. The popular Jamaican icon is scheduled to receive his latest award -- the bronze Musgrave Medal for his contribution to popular music. Jamaica Observer 03 Oct 03 |
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'I'd do it again' Police Constable Garfield Letford (right) accepts his Medal of Honour for Gallantry from Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke at yesterday's National Honours and Awards Investiture Ceremony at King's House. Letford won the award for single-handedly fending off four men who tried to rob him and four civilians in February this year. (Photo: Bryan Cummings) The Jamaico Observer 21 Oct 03 |
'Golden Girl' on Queen's honours list Former track star Pauline Davis-Thompson, a member of the gold medal winning Bahamas 4x100 metres relay team at the Sydney Olympics three years ago, has been awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in Queen Elizabeth II's New Year's honours list. The Jamaica Observer 3 Jan 04
Jamaica - The National Honours and Awards Act Jamaica Defence Force Regulations, 1970
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Herb McKenley conferred with nation's third highest honour Legendary Olympian Herbert McKenley has been conferred with Jamaica's third highest honour, the Order of Merit (OM). McKenley, who won one gold and three silver medals in the Olympic games in London and Helsinki in 1948 and 1952, respectively, topped the list of the 100 recipients of National Honours and Award. McKenley had previously received the Order of Jamaica (OJ), Jamaica's fourth highest award. His latest award is for his distinguished service in athletics locally and internationally. Meanwhile, the Order of Jamaica was conferred on three other outstanding Jamaicans - principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus, Professor Kenneth Hall, for his contribution to education and regional development; music mogul, Christopher Blackwell, for his philanthropy and outstanding contribution to the entertainment industry; and Shirley Miller for her contribution in the field of law and her contribution to legal reform. Among the 19 awardees for Order of Distinction, the rank of Commander (CD) are business stalwart, Neville Blythe; veteran musicians, Cecil "Sonny" Bradshaw and Ernie Ranglin; former junior minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Benjamin Clare; sociologist, Hermione McKEnzie; Donna Parchment for her service to dispute resolution; and Ryan Peralto, for his service in the legislature and to the Electoral Advisory Committee. Another two persons - Peter Cowperthwaite Godsoe and William Reginald Rhodes - received Honorary CDs for their contributions to the development of the banking sector. Thirty-three people were conferred with the Order of Distinction, the rank of officer (OD), among them veteran singer, John Holt. The late Heron Cousley and Jorghinio Johnson received posthumous badge of honours for gallantry. Cousley and Johnson, died while trying to save the lives of several fellow scouts in February 2003 in St Thomas. Cousley managed to save the life of one of his colleagues but drowned while trying to save others. Johnson in the meanwhile, rescued two fellow scouts but drowned on his way to rescue another. Twenty-one people received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service and another 19 for long and faithful service. jamaicaobserver.com 7 Aug 04 |
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Honour
to whom honour is due For going beyond the call of
duty, nearly 100 Jamaicans will be honoured for their outstanding
contribution to various areas of national development, at the National
Honour and Awards ceremony traditionally marked by pomp and pageantry at
King's House. Among the recipients of the prestigious awards is track
and field legend Herb McKenley (left), who will receive the Order of
Merit (OM), Jamaica's third highest honour after the declaration of
National Hero and the Order of the Nation (ON). McKenley is best known
for his victory on the track at the Olympic Games, where he captured one
gold and three silver medals in London and Helsinki in 1948 and 1952.
With an athletic career spanning over 60 years, McKenley has served as
an inspiration to other Jamaicans in his field, who have since continued
the rich tradition of Jamaica's athletic dexterity. Meanwhile, music
producer Chris Blackwell is among the three outstanding Jamaicans who
will receive the Order of Jamaica (OJ). Blackwell is said to have
launched the international career of reggae icon Bob Marley. Blackwell
will receive the award for his philanthropy and outstanding contribution
to the entertainment industry. The OJ has also been conferred on
principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus
Professor Kenneth Hall, for his contribution to regional education and
development, as well as Shirely Miller, for her contribution to the
field of law and legal reform. Among the 19 persons to receive the Order
of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) is Dr Erna Brodber, for
her contribution in the fields of history, literature and community
development. An author, historian, sociologist and part-time lecturer at
the University of the West Indies, Dr Brodber is celebrated as a thinker
and is known for such works of fiction as Myal and Jane and Louisa Will
Soon Come Home, which won the Caribbean Commonwealth Award. Cecil
"Sonny" Bradshaw will also receive the CD, for his outstanding
performance in the field of music and entertainment. Bradshaw championed
the preservation of jazz and is a stalwart of Jamaica's musical history.
Jamaican jazz great Ernie Ranglin will also be honoured with the CD, for
his outstanding performance in the field of music. While he is known for
the development of Jamaican music since the mid-20th century, Ranglin is
also famous world-wide as a jazz musician with a remarkable mastery of
the guitar. For his contribution to Jamaican culture, John Holt, one of
Jamaica's most accomplished musicians for over 40 years, will be
honoured with an Order of Distinction Officer Class (OD).
Thirty-three awardees are in this category. Holt, who has created
memorable ska, rocksteady and reggae songs, has spread reggae music
around the world and continues to be one of its most sought-after
performers. Twenty-one persons will be presented with the Badge of
Honour for Meritorious Service and another 19 for the Badge of
Honour for Long and Faithful Service in the areas of public service,
education and nursing. Two persons will receive posthumous awards under the Badge of Honour for Gallantry. They are Heron Cousley, who died while saving a fellow scout who was in danger of drowning on February 2003 in Yallahs, St Thomas and Jorghinio Johnson, being honoured for the highest degree of bravery manifested in the same incident where he rescued two fellow scouts who were in difficulty. jamaicaobserver.com 17 Oct 04 |
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Jamaica - Tears and cheers at National Awards Herbert Henry McKenley (right), best known for his victory on the track at the Olympic Games, where he captured one gold and three silver medals in London and Helsinki in 1948 and 1952, is conferred with Jamaica's third highest national honour, the Order of Merit, by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke for service to athletics, locally and internationally. At centre is Captain Mahatma Williams, aide-de-camp to the governor-general. jamaicaobserver.com 19 Oct 04 |
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A bittersweet occasion - Badge of gallantry for dead sons a painful reminder for parents Denise Murray (right) receives the badge of gallantry from Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke (left) in honour of her son Jorghinio Johnson, who drowned along with his brother while rescuing fellow scouts from danger at a beach in Yallahs, St. Thomas, last year February. jamaica-gleaner.com 29 Oct 04 |
France honours the artistic Rex Nettleford Professor Rex Nettleford, retired vice chancellor at the University of the West Indies (UWI) has received the French Decoration of Art and Letters (Arts Et Lettres) in recognition of his outstanding work in promoting the arts in Jamaica and abroad. jamaicaobserver.com 17 Dec 04
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PM to honour six at Independence Gala Five Jamaicans and a Barbadian will this year receive the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence. The recipients are Neville Garrick, author, lecturer and film producer, who was Bob Marley's art and lighting director, friend and confidante; Sly & Robbie (left), known internationally as the 'riddim twins', arrangers and producers; classical pianist Orett Rhoden; roots rock reggae group, Culture; and Barbadian saxophonist Arturo Tappin. The gala is being staged under the theme: 'The Legend. The Icon. Marley' and is an extension of the government's decision to observe a year-long celebration of the 60th anniversary of Marley's birth. Marley, who gained international stardom as he exposed reggae music to the world, died of cancer on May 11, 1981 in a Miami hospital. He was 36 years old. Shortly before he died, Marley was conferred with the Order of Merit. jamaicaobserver.com 31 Jul 05 |
Two Jamaicans receive Ontario's highest honour Jamaican-born educator Dr Inez Elliston and businesswoman Delores Lawrence were among a group of 29 Canadians named to the Order of Ontario. Dr Elliston, who hails from Mile Gully in Manchester, is an educator, researcher and consultant who, for more than 30 years, has been involved in teaching, professional development and training in schools. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English, History and Latin from the University of the West Indies, Master's degree in Education Psychology from Boston University and her doctorate in Adult Education from the University of Toronto. She is one of the patrons of Women for PACE Canada (Project for the Advancement of Childhood Education), which has adopted more than 100 basic schools in Jamaica. She also represented the group at the Jamaican Diaspora Conference in Kingston last year. Dr Elliston has represented the Canadian Council for Multicultural and Intercultural Education as delegate to the World Conference Against Racism, which took place in South Africa in 2001. Lawrence is owner of Nurses and Home Healthcare Inc, a company she formed 20 years ago to provide healthcare services to homebound patients. In 2004, she was recognised as one of Canada's top 100 entrepreneurs. Born in Ocho Rios, St Ann, Lawrence migrated to Canada in 1969. She is a trained registered nurse who received her nursing degree from the University of Toronto. She also studied business at York University in Toronto and Harvard University in Boston, and holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of New Hampshire. A community volunteer, she has been chair of the board of governors of Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, and chair of the Academic and Patient Care Committee of Sunnybrook Hospital, the largest hospital in Canada. Lawrence is also involved with the newly-formed Operation Black Vote Canada, which focuses on education, representation and participation of Black Canadians in the political process. jamaicaobserver.com 21 Sep 05
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Jamaicans recognised at National Honours and Awards
The four recipients of the Order of Jamaica
pose with their medals at the National Honours and Awards ceremony at
King's House, yesterday. (From left) Michael Fennell, Reverend Alfred
Reid, Garth Taylor and Professor Basil Barrington Watson. The Order
of Jamaica
(OJ), the fourth highest honour, was awarded to four people. Michael
Fennell received the OJ for his outstanding service in the field of
sports; Reverend Alfred Reid for outstanding service in religion; Dr
Garth Taylor for his dedicated humanitarian service in the field of
ophthalmology and Professor Basil Barrington Watson, in recognition of
his exceptional achievements in the field of arts. Among the 23
recipients of the Order of Distinction in the rank of commander
was Dr Deanna Ashley, director in the Ministry of Health's Promotions
and Protection Division. She received the award for her outstanding
service in the field of health care. Scarlette Gillings, managing
director of the Jamaica
Social Investment Fund (JSIF) received the Order of Distinction for
her outstanding contribution in the field of social development.
Senator Dwight Nelson also received the OD for his significant
contribution to trade unionism. Forty-six persons received the Order
of Distinction (OD) in the rank of officer, while the Badge
of Honour was bestowed upon 12 persons. Twelve people also
received the Badge of Honour for long and faithful service.
Four members of the Jamaica
Defence Force received the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.
Another 35 members of the Jamaica
Constabulary Force inclusive of three policemen from the Island
Special Constabulary Force received Medals of Honour. Six
officers from the Correctional Services as well 15 fire fighters also
accepted Medals of Honour. jamaicaobserver.com
18 Oct 05
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Jamaica Honors Saxophonist Headley Bennett Headley Bennett poses for a photo after receiving the Order of Distinction at the National Heroes Day awards Monday, Oct. 17, 2005 in Kingston, Jamaica. Bennett received the award for contribution to Jamaican music and entertainment. He played the saxophone on Bob Marley's first song "Judge Not." Also receiving the Order of Distinction, Jamaica's sixth highest civic honor, were keyboardist Michael "Ibo" Cooper and guitarist Stephen "Cat" Coore, co-founders of reggae band Third World. abcnews.go.com 18 Oct 05 |
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Community development stalwart gets national honour Conceptualiser of the Homecoming model of community development, George Watson, was among this year's recipients of national awards, receiving the Order of Distinction (OD) officer class for his work in the field of community, heritage and cultural development. jamaicaobserver.com 23 Oct 05 |
Patterson awarded Guyana's highest honour Jamaica's prime minister, P J Patterson is to receive Guyana's highest national honour - Order of Excellence (OE) - in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Caribbean Community (Caricom). Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement to honour his colleague Caricom head of government. Tributes flowed from all heads of government with recollections of the significant contributions Patterson had made during some three decades of association with Caricom, moreso since he succeeded the late Michael Manley in 1992 as prime minister. This is the first time that a Caricom head of government has been awarded the highest national honour of another member state of the Community. jamaicaobserver.com 13 Feb 06
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Jamaican honour for Marley home The Jamaican home of reggae legend Bob Marley is to be declared a national monument, 25 years after his death. Musician Marley, who died of cancer in 1981, would have turned 61 this week. His home has become the Tuff Gong International music studio, but remains a major tourist attraction in the Jamaican capital Kingston. Officials said the tribute will recognise Marley's work in promoting his home country overseas. The singer was born in St Ann, Jamaica in 1945, but despite his global fame, government officials have repeatedly ignored calls to name the reggae star a national hero. Only seven Jamaicans have been bestowed the title national hero, including civil rights leader Marcus Garvey and former Prime Minister Alexander Bustamante. Marley, who was behind songs such as Get Up Stand Up and One Love, was given the Order of Merit, Jamaica's third-highest honour, a month before his death in Miami, aged 36. news.bbc.co.uk 8 Feb 06 |
Honours, awards and titles In 1968, Parliament approved a proposal by Prime Minister Hugh Shearer for the introduction of Jamaican National Honours, instead of the former British National Honours which were bestowed on Jamaicans by the British Monarch for some three centuries. The Jamaican honours were equated to the British honours. Instead of Knighthoods, for example, there were the Orders of Jamaica (O.J.), and instead of the Orders of St. Michael and St. George and of the British Empire (CMG and CBE) there were the Orders of Distinction, Commander Class and Officer Class (CD and OD). jamaica-gleaner.com 11 Feb 06
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Prime Minister confers final national honours A day before he retired, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson conferred 17 persons with national honours and awards with immediate effect. Information Minister, Burchell Whiteman(left), who will also retire from that post, was among the list of persons conferred with an award. Mr. Whiteman will receive the Order of Jamaica for his outstanding contribution to Education and the Legislature. The award will also be conferred on Solicitor-General Michael Hylton(centre) for outstanding public service and contribution to the legal profession, and William McConnell (right) for his distinguished leadership in business and export. Jamaica Manufacturers' Association president, Doreen Frankson and Jamaica Employers' Federation president, Audrey Hinchcliffe, are among six persons slated to receive the Order of Distinction, Commander class. The others are Monica Campbell-McFarlane for her contribution to the Communica-tions Industry and the Performing Arts; Dr. Wayne Reid for his service in the field of Engineering and Public Sector Management; Carlton Samuels for his contribution to Housing and Institutional Management, and Northern Caribbean University president, Dr. Herbert Thompson, for his contribution to national development through education, religion and national service. The Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer class has been conferred on four persons. They are Mavis Bowers for service to the Prime Minister in his role as Member of Parliament, and Debra Hamilton-Crooks for service as head of the Prime Minister's Personal Support Staff; Gene Pearson for distinguished performance in the Arts, and Karen Smith-Jackson for memorable performances as a singer. Two persons have been conferred with the Badge of Honour for meritorious service. They are Lorna Graham for loyal service in the constituency office, and Shirley Lee Pryce for services to the Prime Minister's household and to the Jamaica Household Association. Phillip Dixon and Janette Morgan will be given the Badge of Honour for long and faithful service. jamaica-gleaner.com 30 Mar 06 |
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Patterson awarded one of Spain's highest honours King Juan Carlos of Spain bestowed on outgoing prime minister, P J Patterson, the award of the Grand Cross of the National Order of Civil Merit, one of Spain's highest awards. "This is in recognition of Mr Patterson's 14 years as head of the government of Jamaica and his tireless efforts aimed at strengthening the relations between Spain and Caricom as well as his outstanding contribution to regional integration and the peaceful political stability of Jamaica and the countries of the Caribbean," said a Jamaica House statement. Patterson, Jamaica House said, was also recognised by Spain for helping to deepen the relations between that country and Jamaica, specifically in recent times, for his encouragement of Spanish investments in Jamaica, which will result in the creation of over 12,000 new direct jobs for the Jamaican economy. jamaicaobserver.com 30 Mar 06 |
