Four More to Receive National Honours

Prime Minister, Bruce Golding, has written to Governor-General, His Excellency, the Most Hon. Professor Kenneth Hall, recommending four additions to the list of persons, who will receive National Honours and awards for 2007.
Local music pioneer, Clement Seymour “Sir Coxsone Dodd” has been recommended to receive the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD), posthumously.
Sir Coxone, who died at the age of 72, is best known for bringing reggae legends Bob Marley and the Wailers to national attention and producing some of their most famous hits. He opened Studio One in 1963, which became synonymous with the best of Jamaican pop rhythms, such as ska, reggae, and rock steady. Sir Coxsone’s insignia will be received by his widow, Mrs. Norma Dodd.
Arthur Stanely “Duke” Reid, will also receive the CD award posthumously for his sterling contribution to the music industry. Mr. Reid’s was known for his sound systems in the 1950s, which played at dance halls and open air events. He ran one of the most popular sound systems of the 1950s called ‘the Trojan’ after the British-made trucks used to transport the equipment.
In the 1960s, Reid founded record label Treasure Isle, named after his liquor store, which produced legendary ska and rocksteady music. He died in 1975. Mr. Reid’s nephew, Errol Brown, will accept the insignia on his behalf.
Meanwhile, Molly May Rhone, will also receive the CD for her services locally and international to sports administration, particularly in the area of netball. Mrs. Rhone was the president of the Jamaica Netball Association for 10 years, contributing significantly to the local development of the sport.
She is now President of the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA), which is the world governing body for the development of the sport worldwide.
The fourth person is Lorna Josephine Bell, who will be recognized for her contribution to sports, particularly in the Special Olympics. Mrs. Bell is the Executive Director of Special Olympics Jamaica. She has been recommended for the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer. All awards are effective October 4.
This brings to just over 100, the number of Jamaicans, who will receive honours and awards at the National Honours and Awards ceremony, which will be held at King’s House on Heroes Day, October 15, beginning at 8:00am.