Business leader Keith Duncan, veteran parliamentarian Desmond McKenzie, and Jamaica Stock Exchange managing director Marlene Street-Forrest are among three Jamaicans to be appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the highest of the 141 national honours and awards to be conferred this year.
Duncan, who is CEO of JMMB Group and co-creator of Project STAR, is being honoured for exceptional service in finance, business, and social development. Until last year, he also chaired the Economic Programme Oversight Committee. McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, is recognised for his long-standing contributions to local government and representational politics. Street-Forrest is being awarded for her work in capital market development.
A total of 35 people 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; and Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Christopher Tufton. World Champion sprinter Yohan Blake, columnist and RJR host Dr Orville Taylor, and Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood are also among this year’s CD recipients.
Veteran radio broadcaster Emily Shields, writer Olive Senior, and Solicitor General Marlene Aldred are also on the list. The late journalist Barbara Gayle and shipping and tourism contributor Dr Harriat “Harry” Maragh will receive the award posthumously.
Forty-three Jamaicans will be inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD), including former national footballer Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, diaspora physician Dr Trevor Dixon, diaspora businessman Dennis Hawthorne, and former MP Sharon Hay Webster. West Indies cricketer Rovman Powell, known for his leadership in international cricket, will also receive the OD.
Twenty-nine persons will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, and another 30 for Long and Faithful Service. The sole recipient of the Badge of Honour for Gallantry is 13-year-old Adrian Ellis of Gregory Park, St Catherine. On April 30, Ellis acted quickly to help a fellow student who was seriously injured after a fall, likely saving her life.
All awards will be formally presented on National Heroes Day in October.
