Minister Grange “Touched” to Receive National Honour

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange, says she is “touched” and honoured to be recognised by the Government and people of Jamaica for her years of service to the country.

She was speaking to JIS News after receiving the nation’s fifth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ), during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held at King’s House in Kingston on Monday (October 17).

She is one of the seven women to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica. Overall, 10 persons were honoured in that category.

“I’m accustomed to being the one behind the scenes organising things… so you can imagine how overwhelmed I am. I’m trying to keep calm but it’s an emotional time for me in so many ways because I was surprised when I was told that I was one of the honourees,” she told JIS News.

Minister Grange, while extending congratulations to those awarded said, “It’s great when you love your country and you put your heart and soul into making your country and your people feel good… and when they, in turn, say thank you in this way.”

She said she remains committed to continuously setting an example for the younger generation.

“You give respect, you get respect. You recognise people for what they are worth, and you, too, will get your recognition. Humility more than anything else is the greatest. Whatever we do, we must do it in the interest of Jamaica,” Minister Grange said.