OJ Recipients Grateful for National Honour
By: , October 18, 2023
Photo: Yhomo Hutchinson
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (right), greets recipient of the Order of Jamaica (OJ), Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies, His Grace, the Most Reverend Howard Gregory (second left), during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held on the lawns of King’s House on Monday (October 16). Sharing in the moment is fellow OJ recipient and reggae songbird, Marcia Griffiths (left).The Full Story
The five outstanding Jamaicans, who have been inducted into the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the country’s fifth highest honour, have expressed gratitude for the recognition accorded to them.
Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, presided over the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held this morning (October 16) on the lawns of King’s House.
Speaking to JIS News, Member of Parliament for Manchester North Eastern, Audley Shaw, who was conferred with the OJ for his sterling contribution to Political Administration in Jamaica, said the recognition “is an honour”.
“I am grateful to the Prime Minister for considering me. I’ve done many years of service including 30 years as Member of Parliament, the longest serving for the parish of Manchester, and I’ve done my best at all times, so I am grateful,” he said.
Mr. Shaw dedicated the OJ to his constituents whom he has served since 1993, noting that he loves them, so much so that he named his youngest daughter Christiana, after a town in the parish.
One of reggae’s enduring talents, with an illustrious career spanning 59 years, Marcia Griffiths, was the only female among the OJ recipients.
She was conferred with the honour for her sterling contribution to reggae music locally and internationally.
“I cannot find the words and the adjectives to describe the feeling. It’s just so wonderful to know that you are recognised and it’s awesome,” she told JIS News.
The reggae songbird added: “God has preserved me and my fans have supported me, so I am dedicating this to my fans and all my supporters.”
Anglican Archbishop of the West Indies, His Grace, the Most Reverend Howard Gregory, who was recognised for his service in the field of religion, said it was an overwhelming experience.
“It is a reinforcement that one has been doing something of use to the nation, but definitely for my calling. I believe it is of God, for the people that I serve, so I am humbled by the experience, and I am grateful for it,” he shared.
Chairman and Managing Director of Jamaica Fruit and Shipping Company, Charles Johnston, described his induction as a “great honour”.
“The Order of Jamaica is a serious Order, a serious honour, so I’m happy, very happy. I have helped Jamaica’s shipping industry to be on the map, helped the port of Kingston to be developed and helped the shipping industry to grow generally in Jamaica,” he told JIS News.
Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Musson Group, Paul ‘PB’ Scott, told JIS News that it is an “incredible honour and privilege” to be inducted into the Order of Jamaica.
Mr. Scott is among the few Jamaicans who have received the OJ before turning 50 years old.
“This honour, while it’s being bestowed on me, really it’s [for] the many talented individuals that get up every single day and work very, very hard to build our business. In doing so, they’re contributing to economic development here in Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean,” he said.