Jamaica’s National Honours and Awards Recognises Exceptional Service

In 1969, just seven years after Jamaica gained political independence from Britain, the Government established a National Honours and Awards System to pay tribute to citizens who have profoundly impacted the nation.

The National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, facilitated the creation of six categories of awards.

Each accolade represents a thread in the rich tapestry of Jamaica’s history, celebrating those whose actions echo through time, honouring their dedication to a vibrant nation.

The Chancery of the Orders of the Societies of Honour in the Office of the Prime Minister oversees the administration of the National Honours and Awards.

The Order of National Hero is the highest honour and is given only to Jamaican citizens who have rendered to the country “service of a most distinguished nature”.

Recipients are given the title of National Hero and are traditionally honoured with a tomb or monument in National Heroes Park.

The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Paul Bogle and George William Gordon were accorded the honour in 1969, with Garvey being the first recipient.

They, along with the other honourees – the Right Excellent Nanny of the Maroons, Samuel Sharpe, Sir Alexander Bustamante and Norman Washington Manley, were pivotal figures in shaping Jamaica’s future.

Notably, Sir Alexander is the only Hero honoured during his lifetime, receiving the accolade at the age of 85.

The last conferment of this honour was in 1975 for Nanny of the Maroons and Sam Sharpe.

The Order of the Nation (ON), the second highest in the ranking, may be awarded to any Governor-General of Jamaica and to anyone who has served as Prime Minister, excluding those who have received the honour of the Order of National Hero.

Members of the Order are styled “the Most Honourable” and the spouse of the member is also entitled to be so styled.

The recipients include Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen; Prime Ministers Andrew Holness, P.J. Patterson, and the late Michael Manley.

Ranked equally with the Order of the Nation in the order of precedence, the Order of Excellence (OE) can be awarded to any current or former foreign Head of State or Government.

It is the most recent honour to be created, having been brought into being in 2003.

Members of the Order are referred to as ‘The Most Honourable’ and the Order’s motto is ‘Excellence through Service’.

Former President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, was the first award recipient in 2003.

King Juan Carlos of Spain; Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete of Tanzania and Danilo Medina Sánchez of the Dominican Republic are the other honourees.

Next is the Order of Merit (OM), which may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica or distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (as an Honourary Member) who has achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavour. The award is not given to more than two people in any one year.

Among the recipients are late reggae icon, Robert “Bob” Marley; late cultural icon, Louise Bennett Coverley; late international scholar, dancer, choreographer, Professor Rex Nettleford; singer, songwriter and actor, James (Jimmy Cliff) Chambers; Sociologist and Historian, Orlando Patterson; poet Mervyn Morris; and late former President of the Republic of Cuba, Fidel Castro.

Ranked fourth in the order of precedence is the Order of Jamaica (OJ), which may be conferred upon any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction or any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (honourary member).

Recipients of this award include sprint icons Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce; late educator, social worker and women’s rights advocate, Amy Bailey; former international cricket umpire, Steve Bucknor; The Very Reverend Father Richard Ho Lung; renowned poet Claude McKay; and former President of the Republic of Chile, Don Patricio Asocar Aylwyn.

Next is the Order of Distinction, which has two ranks – Commander Class (CD) and Officer Class (OD).

The Order may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who renders outstanding and important services to Jamaica, and upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honourary member). The motto of the Order is “Distinction through Service”.

Among the award recipients are late journalist, Ian Boyne; reggae/dancehall artiste, Wayne Marshall; and Olympic champions Elaine Thompson-Herah and Sherika Jackson.

Jamaca’s national award system also includes the Badge of Honor, which is awarded to civilian residents of Jamaica and to foreign nationals who are employed in Jamaica’s Diplomatic and Consular Missions overseas.

It is awarded in the following categories -:

Gallantry [BH(G)] – for persons who have performed acts of gallantry or heroism, or who have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger;

Meritorious Service [BH(M)] – awarded to persons who have rendered loyal and meritorious service beneficial to Jamaica;

Long and Faithful Service [BH(L) – granted to individuals who have provided long and valuable service deserving of special acknowledgment.

Next is the Medal of Honour, which may be awarded to officers and other members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Island Special Constabulary Force (ISCF), Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) for Gallantry, Meritorious Service, General Service (JDF only), Long Service and Good Conduct, and Efficient Service (for the National Reserve of the JDF and ISCF only).

Recipients of the Medal of Honour for Gallantry are entitled to place the letters “MG” after their name.

The award of Gallantry is given to officers and members of the JDF who have performed acts of gallantry or acts of heroism or have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger and may be made during the lifetime of the recipient or posthumously.

Meritorious Service – may be awarded to officers and members of the JDF who have performed distinguished service or have displayed distinguished conduct or bravery.

General Service – may be awarded to officers and members of the JDF who have been engaged in military operations overseas or in other areas as may be specified by The Governor-General on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Staff.

Long Service, Good Conduct – may be awarded to warrant officers, noncommissioned officers, soldiers of the Regular Force who have completed 18 years of continuous service in such Force or in such Forces and the Jamaica Local Forces, the Jamaica Battalion, Jamaica Regiment and the West India Regiment, and whose conduct and character have been exemplary.

Efficient Service – May be awarded to persons who have completed 12 years of voluntary service in the first class of the Reserve Force and performed such service efficiently.

On National Heroes Day, Monday (October 21), more than 200 Jamaicans from all walks of life, will be conferred with National Honours in various categories, continuing the tradition of celebrating outstanding contribution.

By recognising the bravery, dedication, and exceptional service of its citizens Jamaica honours its rich history while inspiring future generations to strive for excellence.

Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in his 2023 National Heroes Day message said the occasion is a time “wherein we celebrate the strength, service and sacrifice of our national heroes.

“Importantly, the day calls upon us to look within ourselves and put into action our own heroism in the service of our country and our fellow citizens.”