Minister Vaz Grateful for OJ As He Winds Down 40-Year Political Career

For veteran politician, Hon. Daryl Vaz, receiving the Order of Jamaica (OJ) for his lifelong contribution to public service and representational politics is an honour for which he is deeply appreciative and grateful.

He told JIS News that being awarded one of the nation’s highest honours is a fitting capstone as he prepares to conclude his 40-year political career.

“Good things come to those who wait. Truth be told, everything has happened in its own time, in God’s time, and the fact is, it’s happening at a time when I’m winding down my political public service career. I’m very honoured.

This award is not just for me. It’s for my family, my constituency and for all those who have worked and supported me tirelessly through a long 40-year journey,” Mr. Vaz said.

The Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, was one of six persons presented with the OJ, the nation’s fifth-highest honour, during the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held this morning (Oct. 19 ) at King’s House.

The other OJ recipients are former Governor, Bank of Jamaica (BOJ), Richard Byles; Chief Executive Officer, Sagicor Group Jamaica, Christopher Zacca; philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang; and former ministers Maxine Henry-Wilson and Derrick Smith.

More than 140 outstanding Jamaicans were presented with awards by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Patrick Allen, for contribution to national development in various fields, at the annual National Heroes Day ceremony.

Mr. Zacca, who spoke to JIS News after receiving his award, said it was an emotional moment.

“I feel amazing. No matter what you say, when you get up on that stage and the G-G gives you the sash, it’s emotional. Everything I do is for my [family] my God and country; I love it,” he said.

A “deeply appreciative” Mr. Byles said he was “blown away” when he heard that he was selected for the OJ.

“I’d just retired from the Bank of Jamaica. It is like a crown on my 53 years of work, so I really appreciate it. Jamaica has always been the one thing that I like to work for, whether I’m in the public sector or the private sector. It is Jamaica that I really love. So, getting this award is really a crowning event for me. The people who are involved, I have to thank them for giving me this award,” he told JIS News.

During the ceremony, 25 persons were conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander [CD]; 41 with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer [OD]; 33 received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service {BH(M)}; 30 with the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service; and three with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry (BH{G}).

Ambassador Sharon Joyce Miller, and businessman KevinO’Brien Chang, were among recipients of the CD; while dancehall artiste Clifford ‘Mr Vegas’ Smith, renowned guitarist, Earl ‘Chinna’ Smith, and Retired Sergeant Peter ‘Poppy Man’ Williams, received the OD.

From the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Public Relations Officer, Judith Hunter; Videographer, Anthony Johnson; and retired Director of Human Resources, Bernita Locke, received the BH{M}. Jamaica’s top blood donor, Sonya Binns-Lawrence, was also presented with the BH{M}).

The three persons awarded for gallantry are Danielle Anna-Marie Barnswell and her husband, Councillor Scean Barnswell, whose quick action helped to rescue an abducted child, and Susan Annmarie Higgins, who helped track down a man accused of the rape and murder of a child.

As customary, several members of the uniformed groups were awarded with the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service – 25 from the Jamaica Constabulary Force; 13 from the Department of Correctional Service; 15 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade; and 12 from the Jamaica Defence Force,

The National Honours and Awards system provides a formal means of recognising Jamaicans whose contributions have made a significant difference to the country.

Established under the National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on July 18, 1969, the system includes national orders as well as medals and badges recognising gallantry, meritorious service and long and faithful service.