POLITICAL Ombudsman and religious leader Bishop Herro Blair heads the list of 101 Jamaicans who are to be conferred with National Honours and Awards by Governor General Professor Kenneth Hall in October on National Heroes Day.

Blair, who will be recognised for outstanding service to religion and public service, will be conferred with the Order of Jamaica, the fourth highest order, along with world-renowned cricket umpire Steve Anthony Bucknor, Scotia Bank president William ‘Bill’ Clarke, Professor Edwin Samuel Jones, Keble Munn and Dorothy Pine-McClarty.

Meantime, 36 Jamaicans are to receive the Order of Distinction Commander Class (CD). Among them are Captain Barrington Antonio Irving for pioneering work in aviation. The Jamaican-born pilot created history in June when he became the youngest and first black pilot to fly solo across the globe. Also down to receive similar awards are trade unionist Lambert Brown, former head of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Dr Barbara Carby, Pulse’s Kingsley Cooper and former head of the HEART Trust/NTA, Robert Gregory, for services in their various fields.

Another 36 individuals will be honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD). The awardees include noted Psychiatrist Dr Wendel Abel, President of the Nurses Association of Jamaica Edith Allwood-Anderson, Chair of the All Island Cane Farmers Association Allan Rickards and Artiste Winston ‘Burning Spear’ Rodney.

Among the four persons to be awarded the Badge of Honour for Gallantry are Lusson Bartley, Joel Davidson, Daniel Dawkins, Leston Simpson, Mark Wilson and Annette Wong-Lee.

Meanwhile, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service (BH(M)) will be awarded to 11 Jamaicans, while seven individuals will be awarded the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.