THREE distinguished Jamaicans were yesterday conferred by the Governor General with the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth highest honour, at a special ceremony at King’s House. The three – Headley Cunningham QC, member of the Jamaican Privy Council; Reverend Canon Weeville Gordon, Custos of Kingston; and Reverend Dr Carmen Stewart, Custos of St Andrew – were handed the prestigious award on the recommendation of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, who also attended the ceremony.

Yesterday, she commended the recipients, describing them as testament to the brilliance of the nation’s people.

“Today (yesterday) we honour three Jamaicans, each of whom has made an outstanding contribution to national life. Occasions like these serve as confirmation that our small nation of Jamaica is a truly blessed country with exemplary patriots in every field of endeavour,” said the prime minister, who also announced that a similar award would be conferred on Political Ombudsman Bishop Herro Blair for his contribution to religion and community development.

Rev Dr Stewart, who has given over 50 years of selfless service to the church and health education, said the award only served to fuel her desire for community service.

“I feel very honoured to receive this award, and I feel more committed to the development of my country,” she told the Observer immediately after the ceremony.

Rev Stewart was chair of numerous civic communities and initiator of several youth groups such as the Seventh Kingston Company of the Boys Brigade.

Rev Gordon, who has over 50 years of service to the Anglican Church, told the Observer that he was surprised after learning that he would receive the award.

“I think it is a great honour bestowed on me. I didn’t expect it because I’m a humble man, but I guess others were seeing what I was doing,” said Reverend Gordon, who had also deputised for the former Governor General, Sir Howard Cooke, on several occasions.

Meanwhile, Cunningham, who has served over 40 years within the Jamaican judicial system and is a Member of the Jamaican Privy Council, also pledged his continued efforts towards serving his country.

“Today is a very special day, I feel extremely happy about it. And I will continue to do my best and give of my best to my country,” he said.