Jamaica celebrates National Heroes Day with National Awards: 141 to be honored

Jamaica today celebrates National Heroes Day by recognising 141 outstanding citizens for their contributions to national life, with business leader Keith Duncan, veteran parliamentarian Desmond McKenzie, and Jamaica Stock Exchange Managing Director Marlene Street-Forrest receiving the Order of Jamaica (OJ) — the highest honour to be conferred this year.

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Duncan, Chief Executive Officer of JMMB Group and co-creator of Project STAR, is being recognised for exceptional service in finance, business, and social development. McKenzie, the Minister of Local Government and Community Development, is being honoured for his decades-long contribution to public service and representational politics. Street-Forrest is awarded for her pioneering work in capital market development.

A total of 35 Jamaicans will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD). Among them are Jamaican-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Trisha Bailey; Consul General to New York Alsion Roach-Wilson; Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton; Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood; World Champion sprinter Yohan Blake; radio personalities Emily Shields and Dr Orville Taylor; and celebrated writer Olive Senior, who served as Jamaica’s Poet Laureate from 2021 to 2024.

The Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) will be presented to 43 recipients, including former national footballer Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, reggae singer Etana, gospel artist Kevin Downswell, dance choreographer Dr Lenora “L’Antoinette” Stines, musician Cleveland “Clevie” Browne, and posthumous honouree Garnett Silk, whose soulful anthems left a lasting mark on 1990s reggae.

Thirteen-year-old Adrian Ellis of Gregory Park, St. Catherine, will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, the sole recipient in that category, for his quick action in April that helped save the life of a fellow student who suffered a severe fall.

An additional 29 Jamaicans will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, and 30 others for Long and Faithful Service.

The National Honours and Awards Ceremony will be held later today at King’s House, where recipients will be formally invested by the Governor-General, continuing the island’s annual tradition of recognising excellence, heroism, and service to nation-building.