Healthcare Workers Receive National Awards

Several healthcare workers were among the outstanding Jamaicans honoured by the Government on Monday (October 17), for contribution to nation-building.

They were recognised during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held at King’s House in Kingston.

Noted development and behavioural paediatrician, Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan, received the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for pioneering research, clinical work and policy development in child health, child development and behaviour.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, was conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD).

Speaking with JIS News after receiving her award from Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, Dr. Bisasor-McKenzie expressed gratitude, noting that the honour is “extremely motivating”.

“I think that this [award] symbolises the nation’s recognition of the tremendous work that the health team has put in over the last two and a half years and I’m very happy to receive this award on behalf of all the members,” she said.

The CMO noted that healthcare workers continue to remain diligent and dedicated to their work despite the challenges they encounter daily.

“I was so happy to see that there were so many other members of the health team that received awards today and to offer my own congratulations to them as well,” she told JIS News.

Overall, nine healthcare workers were conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD).

The other recipients include Dr. Warren Fabian Blake for his contribution to medicine and as a team doctor in national sports; Dr. Sandra Lindsay for her contribution to public health and the campaign against COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy; and Member of Parliament for Central St. Mary, Dr. Morais Guy, for services to governance in public service and the medical profession.

Presented with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) were, Dr. Marcia Thelwell Reid for her contribution to academia, public health, and health technology.

Meanwhile, Gloria Garrick-Gibbs received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for her long and dedicated work in the field of pharmacy and the health sector; Dr. Barbara Salmon Grandison for her notable service to the public health sector; and Dr. Princess Thomas Osbourne for outstanding contribution in the field of pharmacy (drug regulation).

The Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service was presented to Claudette Taylor-Gayle for her outstanding contribution to the sector.