Two hundred and twenty-one National Awardees for 2022

For over 50 years, the Government of Jamaica has formally recognized Jamaicans who, through their service and contribution, have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life. Under the National Honours and Awards Act, promulgated on 18 July 1969, provision is made for those outstanding Jamaicans to be awarded with one of the Orders of the six Societies of Honour. These are Order of National Hero, Order of the Nation, Order of Excellence, Order of Merit, Order of Jamaica and the Order of Distinction. There is also the Medal or Badge of Honour, which recognizes gallantry and meritorious service.

These awards are made annually on National Heroes Day on the lawns of King’s House. This year’s staging will see 221 Jamaicans awarded on Monday 17 October, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The ceremony will be presided over by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen

Heading the list of recipients is Monty Alexander, CD, who is one of 10 individuals to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ), for sterling contribution to the promotion of Jamaican music and the jazz genre interpretations globally. Other notable Jamaicans to receive an OJ are Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, CD, MP, for sterling contribution to cultural development and political administration in Jamaica; posthumously, Joan Isabelle Duncan, for distinguished services to the banking sector and the development of the money market, in particular; Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, CD, for outstanding performance in the field of athletics at the international level; Hon. Mr. Justice (Ret’d) Karl Stanhope Harrison, CD, for distinguished service to the legal profession and the advancement of electoral democracy in Jamaica.

Others to receive the OJ are Rita Humphries Lewin, CD, for sterling contribution to the financial sector, in particular, the stockbroking industry; Professor Maureen Elaine Samms-Vaughn, CD, for pioneering research, clinical work and policy development in the field of child health, child development and behaviour; Audrey Vivia Sewell, CD, JP, for distinguished contribution to the public service; Professor Alvin George Wint, CD, for distinguished service to the development of public and private institutions and academia in Jamaica; and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Honorary), for sterling contribution as an actress, cultural ambassador for Jamaica and contribution to the international film industry.

Thirty persons will be conferred with the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD); 35, the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD); six, the Badge of Honour for Gallantry [BH (G)]; 29, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service [BH(M)]; and 30, the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service [BH (L)]. Two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) will receive the Medal of Honour for Gallantry. Meanwhile, 78 members of the uniformed groups representing the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), the JCF, Department of Correctional Service (DCS) and the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) will be bestowed with the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.