Several Jamaicans in the diaspora were named in this year’s list to receive national honors and awards.
Heading the list is Jamaica’s Ambassador to Washington, Audrey Marks, who has been awarded membership in the Order of Jamaica.
Also receiving national honors are Dr Karren Dunkley, who joins the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer (OD); Dr Novlet Davis-Bucknor, who has also been made a member of the OD; Mary Bishop, who will receive the Badge of Honor, and Marie Ruth Gill, who will also receive the Badge of Honor.
Marks receives the OJ for her outstanding service to the government and people of Jamaica in her contribution to economic development, promotion of social development enterprises and to nation-building.
Dunkley receives her honor for service to the Jamaican diaspora in the United States.
Davis-Bucknor has been recognized for her contributions to community development and philanthropy.
Davis-Bucknor leads a medical mission yearly to Clarendon in Jamaica.
Gill receives the Badge of Honor (Meritorious Service) for contributions to the economic and technical development of Jamaican business owners in the United States.
Bishop gets the Badge of Honor (Meritorious Service) for services in the field of philanthropy and contributions to the development of the diaspora in Canada.
Jamaicans in the diaspora have been marking Jamaica’s Independence anniversary with several flag-raising events, church services and Independence galas.
Most events for the 2024 independence celebration had special collection geared towards Hurricane Beryl relief efforts. Beryl caused extensive damage in Jamaica, Barbados, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, resulting in at least 12 deaths and significant infrastructure loss before moving west into Mexico and Texas. Since then the diaspora has been working diligently to support the rebuilding efforts.
