Daryl Vaz receives Order of Jamaica as he winds down 40-year political career
Key Points(5)
- Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz has received the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in recognition of his contribution to public service and representational politics, describing the national honour as a fitting milestone as he prepares to conclude his four-decade political career.
- Vaz was among six recipients of the OJ, Jamaica’s fifth-highest national honour, at the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held Oct.
- Speaking to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Vaz said he was grateful for the recognition, which he described as an honour shared with his family, constituents and supporters.
- “Good things come to those who wait.
- Truth be told, everything has happened in its own time, in God’s time, and the fact is, it’s happening at a time when I’m winding down my political public service career.
Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz has received the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in recognition of his contribution to public service and representational politics, describing the national honour as a fitting milestone as he prepares to conclude his four-decade political career.
Vaz was among six recipients of the OJ, Jamaica’s fifth-highest national honour, at the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards held Oct. 19 at King’s House.
Speaking to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), Vaz said he was grateful for the recognition, which he described as an honour shared with his family, constituents and supporters.
“Good things come to those who wait. Truth be told, everything has happened in its own time, in God’s time, and the fact is, it’s happening at a time when I’m winding down my political public service career. I’m very honoured,” he said.
“This award is not just for me. It’s for my family, my constituency and for all those who have worked and supported me tirelessly through a long 40-year journey.”
The other Order of Jamaica recipients were former Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles, Sagicor Group Jamaica CEO Christopher Zacca, philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang, and former government ministers Maxine Henry-Wilson and Derrick Smith.
Zacca described receiving the award as an emotional experience, saying the moment he was presented with the sash by Governor-General Patrick Allen made the occasion particularly meaningful.
“I feel amazing. No matter what you say, when you get up on that stage and the G-G gives you the sash, it’s emotional. Everything I do is for my family, my God and country; I love it,” he told JIS.
Byles, who recently retired from the central bank, said he was surprised when he learned he had been selected for the honour.
“I’d just retired from the Bank of Jamaica. It is like a crown on my 53 years of work, so I really appreciate it,” he said.
Byles added that his work in both the public and private sectors had been driven by his commitment to Jamaica.
“Jamaica has always been the one thing that I like to work for, whether I’m in the public sector or the private sector. It is Jamaica that I really love. So, getting this award is really a crowning event for me,” he said.
More than 140 Jamaicans received national honours and awards at the annual ceremony, which recognizes contributions to national development across various fields.
Among the recipients, 25 people received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD), while 41 received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD).
A further 33 people received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, 30 received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service, and three were awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.
Ambassador Sharon Joyce Miller and businessman Kevin O’Brien Chang were among those awarded the CD. Dancehall artiste Clifford “Mr. Vegas” Smith, guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith and retired Sergeant Peter “Poppy Man” Williams received the OD.
Jamaica Information Service public relations officer Judith Hunter, videographer Anthony Johnson and retired Director of Human Resources Bernita Locke were among those recognized with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service. The award was also presented to Jamaica’s top blood donor, Sonya Binns-Lawrence.
Three people received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry for acts involving the rescue of an abducted child and assistance in tracking down a man accused of the rape and murder of a child.
Danielle Anna-Marie Barnswell and her husband, Councillor Scean Barnswell, were recognized for their quick action in helping to rescue an abducted child. Susan Annmarie Higgins was honoured for helping to track down a man accused of the rape and murder of a child.
Members of the uniformed services were also recognized with the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service. The recipients included 25 members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, 13 from the Department of Correctional Services, 15 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade and 12 from the Jamaica Defence Force.
Jamaica’s National Honours and Awards system formally recognizes individuals whose contributions have made a significant difference to the country. Established under the National Honours and Awards Act, which came into effect on July 18, 1969, the system includes national orders, medals and badges recognizing gallantry, meritorious service, and long and faithful service.
