Jamaicans living overseas are making their mark among the recipients of the country’s highest national honours, with diaspora representatives recognised across philanthropy, health, education, broadcasting, sports and community development at this year’s National Honours and Awards ceremony.

For Elaine Grant-Bryan, Jamaica’s honorary consul to Atlanta, the recognition is about more than individual achievement. She sees it as a signal that the country values the work Jamaicans continue to do for their homeland, even when they live thousands of miles away.

“I believe it’s good for the diaspora to see that we are included. This is an award that’s usually given to Jamaicans in Jamaica, so for those of us in the diaspora it will encourage us to work even harder. It’s a positive movement,” Grant-Bryan said.

Grant-Bryan received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for her service to the Jamaican diaspora at the Oct. 19 ceremony at King’s House in Kingston. She has served as honorary consul in Atlanta since 2018.

Her recognition comes as Jamaicans based in the United States and Canada feature prominently among the 2026 honourees, reflecting contributions that extend from professional achievement to philanthropy and sustained service to Jamaican communities at home and abroad.

At least 12 diaspora recipients were identified in reports published when the award list was announced in August. Their fields of service include medicine, broadcasting, higher education, sports, health advocacy and charitable work. The final number should be confirmed against the official ceremony list.

Among the recipients is Donette Chin-Loy Chang, a Jamaican-Canadian philanthropist and communications strategist who received the Order of Jamaica for her contribution to nation-building in Jamaica and Canada. She is chancellor of Toronto Metropolitan University and has supported education, scholarships and community development through decades of philanthropic work.

The Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander was awarded to broadcaster Don Topping for his contribution to Jamaica’s broadcasting industry; Dr. Evan Dale Abel, chair of the Department of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, for his contribution to endocrinology; and Dr. Wesley Junior Hall, chancellor of the University of Toronto, for his contribution to nation-building in Jamaica and Canada.

Other diaspora honourees include Gary Williams, founder and chairman of Children of Jamaica Outreach; Claudette Powell, chair of the Jamaica Diaspora Health Task Force; and Karl Hale, a tennis executive and founder of the Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation. They received the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for their respective contributions.

Susan Wendy Hart, head of American Friends of Jamaica, was also recognised for philanthropy and community development. Broadcaster Bevan Hugh “The Duke” Earle and dancehall artiste Clifford “Mr. Vegas” Smith were among the other recipients of the Officer-class honour.

Roy Another Walters, known as DJ Roy, received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for his contribution to broadcasting.

Service beyond Jamaica’s borders

Grant-Bryan’s work illustrates how diaspora engagement can extend beyond maintaining cultural ties to Jamaica. An educator and real estate broker who settled in Atlanta in 1990, she has used her role as honorary consul to help strengthen connections between Jamaicans in Georgia and their homeland.

Her work has included supporting community initiatives and promoting educational opportunities. Through the Elaine Bryan Foundation, she and her husband, Gregory, have developed programmes focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, including mentorship and opportunities for Jamaican students pursuing degrees in those fields.

The foundation’s Jamaican Pioneer Programme also helps Americans of Jamaican heritage pursue citizenship in their family’s homeland, encouraging them to deepen their connections to Jamaica and contribute to its development.

In an August interview with the Jamaica Observer, Grant-Bryan said the Jamaican community in the Atlanta region had grown substantially, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, as Jamaicans moved from colder parts of the United States. She described the community as increasingly active in local life while continuing to contribute to Jamaica.

Her award, she said, could encourage other Jamaicans abroad to continue giving back.

The recognition of diaspora members at the national honours ceremony also underscores the range of ways Jamaicans overseas contribute to the country, whether through charitable fundraising, healthcare initiatives, education, sports development or professional expertise.

For Grant-Bryan, the message is clear: service to Jamaica does not stop at its borders, and recognition from home can inspire those abroad to do even more.