SOME 98 Jamaicans come October 17 will take their places among the pantheon of outstanding citizens honoured by the nation on past National Heroes Days for their contribution to nation building.

Notice of the appointments which were made by Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Bruce Golding, were released by the Chancery of the Orders of the Societies of Honour in the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

On that day some six Jamaicans will receive the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation’s fourth highest honour, among them Dr Gladstone Raymond Chang who is being hailed for his outstanding contribution as a business leader and philanthropist in the financial, health, education and cultural sectors, and Peter Moses, for his contribution to the private and public sector and community development, in particular sports. Also receiving the OJ are legal luminary Frank Phipps for his contribution to the profession; Hugh Hart for his service to the bauxite and alumina industry and the legal profession; Molly Rhone, for services locally and internationally in sports administration; as well as Ambassador Douglas Saunders for his outstanding contribution to the public service.

Meanwhile, 24 individuals will be given the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) inclusive of one posthumous award to singer Dennis Brown for his contribution to Jamaican music and an honorary award to head of the European Union Delegation in Jamaica Ambassador Marco Mazzocchi Alemanni, for his part in promoting the interest of Jamaica in the European Union. Others to be awarded in this category include: Jean Anderson for dedicated community service; former Children’s Advocate Mary Clarke for her contribution in advancing the rights and best interest of Jamaican children, Ambassador Marcia Gilbert-Roberts for contribution to Jamaica’s Foreign Service, Dr Lucien Jones for his work in advancing road safety and road safety education in Jamaica, Hyacinth Knight for philanthropy and community service, and former Jamaica Teacher’s Association president Ruel Reid, for his contribution to education. Other nation-builders to be awarded in this category are Morin Seymour, Reverend Dr George Simpson and Edwin Tulloch-Reid.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Glenmore Hinds is among 25 people who will receive the Order of Distinction in the Officer Class (OD) for his more than 35 years of service to the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Deputy Commissioner of Police Delsworth Heath will also be honoured in this class for his over 37 years in the constabulary. Others being honoured in this rank include journalist Balford Henry, entrepreneur Errol Brennan, political commentator Troy Caine, Carlton Cole, trade unionist Keith Comrie, hospitality maven Myrtle Dwyer, Brigadier Rocky Meade, for service to the Jamaica Defence Force, and real estate developer Joseph Whitter.

Three Jamaicans will be conferred with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, 17 will receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service and 23 others will receive the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

The selection process for recipients of national honours and awards begins with submissions of nominees made by members of the public. Nominations are accepted by the Chancery of the Orders of the Societies of Honour, between January and March of each year. A selection committee, appointed by the prime minister makes the final selections and the prime minister makes those recommendations to the governor general.

The presentation ceremony is held on the lawns of the official residence of the Governor General, King’s House, on National Heroes Day each year.