JAMAICA yesterday presented national honours and awards to 125 people, including eight posthumously, for their contribution to nation building in several fields, at a colourful ceremony at the National Indoors Sports Centre in Kingston.

The annual awards, held annually on National Heroes’ Day, normally takes place on the lawns of King’s House – residence of the governor general – but was shifted yesterday because of the uncertainty of the weather.

Leading the list of awardees were Professor Abraham Anthony Chen and Professor Edward Robinson, who were presented with the nation’s third highest honour – the Order of Merit (OM) – for their contribution to the fields of climatology and geology, oceanography and environmental science.

The Order of Merit is not awarded to more than two persons in any one year or upon any person if the number of living members, other than honorary members, would by reason of the conferment be increased to more than 15.

Professor Barbara Evelyn Bailey; Professor John Figueroa; attorney Roald Henriques; banker Michael Lee-Chin; former director of elections Danville Walker; and Jesuit Priest Father Richard HoLung, founder of known charity Missionaries of the Poor, were conferred with the Order of Jamaica – Jamaica’s fourth highest national honour.

Speaking with the Observer after the function Walker, who is now heads the Customs Department, said he was “deeply humbled” by the gesture. He has been credited for leading the reform of Jamaica’s electoral system which was once plagued by voter fraud to one of the best in the world.

Just last week, a team from the Organisation of American States (OAS) visited Jamaica to observe the local electoral system and gather data for a research project.

The OAS said it recognised Jamaica as “the leader in the hemisphere” on application of new information and communication technologies to the electoral process.

In the meantime, Father HoLung yesterday paid homage to the volunteers, the press and the Government, after being conferred with the honour of Order of Jamaica.

“I am totally humbled. Everything really belongs to others who have served. I am just one of many,” Father HoLung told the Observer.

Among the awardees for the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) were Ryland T Campbell; Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn; Mayor of Kingston Desmond McKenzie; and former minister of development Dr Paul Robertson.

Several others were presented with the Order of Distinction (Officer Class), the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service and the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.