GG Presents Diamond Jubilee Medals on December 14

Jamaica’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will culminate with the Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, presenting members of the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and Correctional Services with commemorative Diamond Jubilee Medals, in recognition of the 60th year of the reign of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

The presentation ceremony will be held on Friday, December 14, in the Ballroom at Kings’ House, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

These medals are available to all those who have served Queen and Country from February 6, 1952, the date Her Majesty ascended to the throne.  In the Jamaican context, the medals will be presented to persons who are currently serving members of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel for at least 18 years as at February 6, 2012.

The 60 individuals are a representation of the over 5,000 Jamaicans drawn from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF),  who will receive 764 medals in total; the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), to receive 3,926 medals; the Department of Correctional Services, 735; the Jamaica Fire Brigade, 353, and the Emergency Services to receive 120 medals.

Inspector General of the JDF, with responsibility for ceremonial activities, Colonel Daniel Pryce, told JIS Newsthat it was during the Diamond Jubilee celebration meetings that the intention was expressed that a commemorative Diamond Jubilee medal will be struck, which would be awarded to persons of the armed forces, the emergency services, the prison services, the police and the fire brigade.

“This is a sign of our loyalty to the Monarchy.  It is also very heart warming for members of the uniformed groups when a medal can be struck and they are awarded in commemoration of such a significant milestone or event in their military life, or in the life of a country,” Colonel Pryce said.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations began with the visit of His Royal Highness Prince Henry (Prince Harry) in March, 2012.  Jamaica also joined the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and other countries across the Commonwealth in the lighting of a network of beacons on June 4.