VETERAN Reggae singer and actor Jimmy Cliff was yesterday invested with Jamaica’s third highest national honour — the Order of Merit — and declared, after the investiture ceremony at King’s House, that he felt good to be recognised by his country.

“The rebel gets honoured,” said Cliff who, in 1990, released Rebel In Me as one of the tracks on his Images album. “It is good to be honoured, I feel honoured to be honoured.”

Cliff, who has been in the music business since he was 14 years old, was among 141 persons who received national honours and awards for their outstanding service to nation-building at yesterday’s ceremony.

The ceremony was witnessed by hundreds, who turned out for what is regarded as the nation’s largest state affair. Many cheered on as Cliff, dressed in his pearly white African garb, calmly marched to the podium to accept his award from Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke.

Cliff, who since 1967 has released 30 albums and starred in at least four locally-shot feature films, was recognised for his contribution to Jamaica’s music and film industries.

Yesterday, in a brief interview with the Observer, he described the OM as “icing on the cake” and had some advice for others who would want to follow in his footsteps.

“Plan your career, and whatever your plans are, work on them and never give up,” he advised and revealed that he was currently working on a new album, a few books and a script for a film which may begin shooting next year.

The OM is conferred upon Jamaicans or a distinguished citizen of another country who has achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, arts, literature or any other endeavour.

The award can be held by no more than 15 living persons. Cliff apart, there are only four living members of the Order — Professor Manley West and Dr Albert Lockhart who developed Canasol, a drug for treating glaucoma; dramatist and cultural activist, Louise Bennett-Coverly (Miss Lou); and Professor Rex Nettleford, the intellectual and dancer who is also vice-chancellor of the University of the West Indies.

Yesterday, Cliff shared the spotlight with four other Jamaicans who received the Order of Jamaica, the fourth highest honour. They are:

* acclaimed ceramist, Cecil Baugh, for his contribution to the visual arts;

* Professor Errol Miller, for his contribution to education and the public service;

* Dr Oswald Harding, for outstanding service to the legislature; and

* Karl Hendrickson, former head of the National Bakery group, for his contribution to commerce.

Chief of staff at the Jamaica Defence Force, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin; and manufacturer and former president of the Jamaica Manufacturers’ Association, Clarence Clarke, were among the 24 persons who received the Order of Distinction in the rank of commander (CD).

Ninety-seven year-old Dorothy Robertson, educator and mother of minister of development, Paul Robertson, also received an OD for her many years of service to education.

So too did Carole Guntley, for outstanding service in the field of tourism; Professor Barry Chevannes, for outstanding service to education and Lester Spaulding, chairman of the RJR Communications Group, for his service to media communications.

Another 32 persons received the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer Class (OD), including entertainers Kenneth “Ken” Boothe, for his contribution to local music; and Frederick “Freddy” McGregor, for service to the development of the music industry.

Twenty-one persons received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for their contribution in the fields of education, paediatric nursing, agriculture and to the community.

Sixteen other persons, one posthumously, received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Constable Garfield Ricardo Letford of the Jamaica Constabulary Force received the only Medal of Honour for Gallantry for single-handedly fending off four robbers earlier this year.

Another 42 persons — 12 officers each from the Jamaica Constabulary and Jamaica Defence Force, five from the Department of Correctional Services and 13 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade — received Medals of Honour for Meritorious Service.