National Award Recipients Emphasise Importance of Service Above Self

Several Jamaicans, who were honoured on Monday (Oct. 20) for contribution to nation building have dedicated their achievements to family members, colleagues and mentors, while emphasising the importance of service above self in nation building.

The National Heroes Day Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards was held at King’s House in St. Andrew.

A total of 227 Jamaicans from various fields, including members of uniformed groups, were presented with awards by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen.

Local Government and Community Development Minister, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, who was among three persons conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ), dedicated the honour to his mother, mother-in-law, the late former Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness and all of those who worked alongside him in various capacities over his more than 40 years in public service.

“There are many Jamaicans who have worked with me over the years, from my days as a councillor, to mayor, to senator, Member of Parliament, now to minister, who would have helped me in achieving a lot of what I have accomplished, and I credit not just myself, but [those] persons,” Mr. McKenzie affirmed.

The list of OJ recipients also included businessman Senator Keith Duncan and Managing Director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), Dr. Marlene Street Forrest.

Attorney-at-law Camille Facey, who received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for her contribution to law and corporate governance, said that she is honoured to have spent the past 43 years contributing to Jamaica’s corporate governance framework.

“What is important for me is to make a difference in Jamaica and that is what corporate governance does. It allows us to ensure that our public institutions and our private institutions operate as they should to the benefit of us the citizens or shareholders,” she affirmed.

Mrs. Facey shared that one of her greatest achievements is the work that she undertook as a board member at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA).

“I was a part of the board that had the job of getting the NSWMA’s accounts and governance structure in place, so that today, they are one of the public sector entities that has its accounts up to date and filed in Parliament. So, I am very proud of the transformation of that entity,” she told JIS News.

Entertainer Shauna “Etana” McKenzie-Morris, who was appointed a member of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD), told JIS News she felt fulfilled receiving such an honour from the Government.

“I’m feeling fantastic. I am sitting among some of the greatest people in Jamaica, and that, to me, is very exciting and fulfilling. I’m very proud, and I’m thankful to all the people who supported me along the way on my journey. So, I think this is for me and my fans,” she stated.

Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service awardee, Reverend Professor Mary Ann McDonald Nichols, exuded excitement as she shared with JIS News that her illustrious career in education spanned some 50 years.

The former Civil Servant of the Year awardee emphasised the importance of dedication and humility in serving one’s country.

“I was the first education officer to receive Civil Servant of the Year… So, whatever you do, do impartially with pride, remembering that you are a Jamaican,” she said.

Her passion for Jamaica was echoed by former national footballer and OD recipient, Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardner, who stated that the award is a great honour.

“To be recognised by your country this way is [a feeling] that I will cherish forever. It’s years’ worth of hard work, perseverance, disappointment, while still staying committed to the job at hand,” he told JIS News.

“[The award] is for all the people who have supported me throughout the years. My mom [and] my dad, who are no longer here with us, may they rest in peace…my family, the fans who cheer me on through every moment…my teammates, because without them it wouldn’t be possible. So, it’s for every single teammate that I’ve played sports with and the people who have supported me through my years,” he added.

Cricketer, Rovman Powell, who also received an OD for service in the field of sport, said he is likewise elated to receive a national award for representing the nation.

“It’s obviously an honour to be awarded such a prestigious award. It does not happen every day, and it is good to be recognised. It is just a token to say that the work continues,” he stated.
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett Templer; and Olympian Yohan

Blake, were among 36 persons appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, while 44 honorees were appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer.

The lone recipient of the Badge of Honour for Gallantry and the youngest awardee was Adrian Ellis, who was honoured for his heroic action in saving the life of a fellow student on April 30,2025.

The list of civilian recipients was rounded out with 28 individuals receiving Badges of Honour for Meritorious Service and 30 receiving Badges of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Meanwhile, Constables Ramone Henry and Tyrone Stephenson of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) received Medals of Honour for Gallantry.

Medals of Honour for Meritorious Service were presented to 25 members of the JCF, eight members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), 25 members of the Department of Correctional Service (DCS) and 25 members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB).

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness; House Speaker, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness; Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Hon. Olivia Grange; among other key national figures.