MRS Christine Alison Lindo, formerly Mrs Eugene Mapletoft Poulle, the 83-year-old woman whose role in the penning of the National Anthem more than 50 years ago had been forgotten by governments past, is to be awarded the Order of Distinction, the nation’s fifth highest honour.

The revelation was made by Lindo’s brother-in-law, Donald Lindo, who last week said he was informed of the decision by the Office of the Prime Minister.

“I just had a call from the protocol officer for the PM, Ambassador Sherlock, and was told that my sister-in-law will receive a OD (Order of Distinction) and her former husband (E Mapletoft Poulle), a Posthumus CD (Commander of the Order of Distinction) [award],” said Lindo.

“My sister-in-law will not be able to attend due to poor health but maybe the presentation can be done at home,” said an excited Lindo, following confirmation that his sister will be awarded.

“My sister-in-law’s son, Peter Eugene Poulle who lives in Delaware. He is trying his best to come to Jamaica for the presentation and if so he will therefore receive it.” It is understood that the final decision on the proposed awards are awaiting final approval by the Governor General.

Mrs Christine Alison Lindo was one of four persons who had a direct hand in the creation of the National Anthem. There have been suggestions that the chorus; those simple, yet inspirational words, ‘Jamaica, land we love’, came from her with arrangement for the tune coming from her late former husband.

Neither Mr Poulle, who died in 1981, nor his then-wife have ever been formally acknowledged by the government for their contribution.

Today, the ailing Mrs Lindo, one of two surviving persons involved in crafting the anthem — the other being Major J B Joe Williams — lives a quiet life, with her second husband Raymond Lindo and his brother Donald in Kingston.

Lindo’s recognition followed a Sunday Observer story two weeks ago highlighting the Government’s oversight regarding her crucial involvement in the nation’s heritage.