The Order of National Hero is the most senior order. The honour of the Order of National Hero may be conferred upon any person who was born in Jamaica or is, or at the time of his or her death was, a citizen of Jamaica and rendered to Jamaica service of a most distinguished nature. National Heroes are entitled to be styled “The Right Excellent” and the motto of the Order is “He built a city which hath foundations”.
The Insignia
The insignia of the Order of National Hero consists of a gold and white enamelled star of fourteen points, the centre of which shows the heraldic Arms of Jamaica in gold on a black enamelled medallion. This is surrounded by the motto of the Order in gold lettering on green enamel. The collar badge is suspended from a black, gold and green neck riband by a gold and green enameled laurel wreath.
List of Persons Declared National Heroes
In 1969
Paul Bogle (circa 1822- October 24, 1865)
Deacon, the Native Baptist Church, Stony Gut, St. Thomas
George William Gordon (circa 1820s -October 23, 1865)
Member of the House of Assembly
Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887 – June 10, 1940)
Founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA)
Norman Washington Manley, MM, QC (July 4, 1893 – September 2, 1969)
Chief Minister (January 1955 – July 1959)
Premier (July 1959 – April 1962)
Founder – President of the Peoples National Party (PNP)
Sir Alexander Bustamante, GBE (February 24, 1884 – August 6, 1977)
Chief Minister of Jamaica (December 1944 – January 1955)
Premier of Jamaica (April 1962 – August 1962)
Prime Minister of Jamaica (April 1962 – February 1967)
Founder – President of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP)
In 1982
Nanny of the Maroons (circa 1600s – circa 1740s)
Leader of the Windward Maroons at the beginning of the 18th Century
Samuel Sharpe (1780s – May 23, 1832)
“Leader”, Burchell Baptist Church, Montego Bay, St. James
