Over 200 Jamaicans were honoured for outstanding contribution to nation building, during the virtual 2021 National Honours and Awards ceremony held today, (October 18).

Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen conferred the nation’s fourth highest honour, the Order of Merit, OM on this year’s sole recipient Professor Donald Jasper Harris, for outstanding contribution to national development.

Four prominent Jamaicans were conferred with the Order of Jamaica, OJ, the fifth highest national award.

These are former Speaker of the House of Representatives and former Member of Parliament, Pearnel Charles, former Leader of the People’s National Party, Dr. Peter Phillips, Ian Levy for outstanding contribution to business and philanthropy and Ernest ‘Ernie” Ranglin for exceptional contribution to the development and internationalisation of Reggae music..

The Governor-General also bestowed 36 Jamaicans with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander, CD, while 40 received the Order of Distinction OD in the Rank of Officer, for outstanding work in various fields.

Among them are Political Analyst and St. Ann resident, Linton Gordon.

The Badge of Honour for Gallantry was bestowed on two civilians for acts of bravery they displayed to save lives.

In addition, the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service was conferred on 31 individuals, while, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service was conferred on 30 persons, including prominent St. Ann resident Spostle Geoffrey Wellington.

Also, 70 members of the uniformed groups representing the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the Department of Correctional Service and the Jamaica Fire Brigade received the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.

Notably, two members of the JCF, Detective Constable Michael Beckford and Constable Delano Dunn, along with firefighter, Dennis Maconey Taylor, received the Medal of Honour for Gallantry.