Jamaica to Honour Outstanding Citizens October 19

A total of 104 outstanding Jamaicans, who have contributed to nation building, will be recognised at the National Honours and Awards Ceremony, on National Heroes Day, Monday, October 19, on the lawns of King’s House in Kingston, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Heading the list of recipients this year is Professor Mervyn Eustace Morris, who will receive the Order of Merit (OM) for distinguished contribution to the field of West Indian Literature.
Meanwhile, eight persons will receive the Order of Jamaica (OJ), for their outstanding contribution to Education, Health, Athletics, Public Service, and Human Rights Advocacy.
They are: the Right Reverend Archbishop Lawrence Burke, for outstanding contribution to Religion and Education; Dr. Mavis Gwendolyn Gilmour-Petersen, CD, for outstanding contribution to Politics and Medicine; Dr. Jennifer Carolyn Gomes, for outstanding contribution to Human Rights Advocacy; Dr. Muriel Veronica Lowe Valentine, OD, for outstanding Public Service, particularly in the field of Medicine and Medical Education; Mr. Justice Patrick Lipton Robinson, CD, for outstanding contribution in the field of International Law and Relations; Professor Gordon Valentine Shirley, for excellence in Academia and Public Service; Mr. Usain Bolt, OD, for outstanding achievements in the field of Athletics; and Mr. Charles Bernard Rangel (Honorary), for outstanding contribution in promoting the interests of Jamaica and the Caribbean.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ms. Jevene Eulalee Bent, heads the 18 persons who will be conferred with the Order of Distinction in the Commander Class (CD). Others include, Mr. Ian Anthony Boyne, for contribution to the field of Journalism; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr. Owen Lloyd Ellington for dedicated service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force; Dr. Patricia Pamela Holness, for dedicated Public Service; Mr. Derrick Kellier, MP, for over 20 years of service to Parliament; and Senator the Honourable Dorothy Casieta Lightbourne, for over 20 years of service to the Senate.
Mr. Filmore Millman Alvaranga is among 31 persons who will receive the Order of Distinction in the Officer Class (OD). Mr. Alvaranga is being awarded for his service in the field of Culture and Heritage.
For the Badge of Honour for Gallantry (BHG), seven awards will be given, including Mr. Winston Quest, for his bravery in rescuing a family of four from drowning in the Discovery Bay area of St. Ann on August 12, 2008.
Sixteen other Jamaicans will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, for their contribution to Education and Public Service, while 25 persons will receive the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service, with one being a posthumous award to Miss Daisy Albertine Forde for Community Service.
The ceremony, to be presided over by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, will be streamed live on the JIS website at: www.jis.gov.jm.
Guests attending the function should be seated by 8:30 a.m.