FORMER FIFA referee Peter Prendergast heads a list of five sporting personalities, which include Carvel Stewart, Lyndel Wright, the late Albert St P Grant, and Chester Watson, who were yesterday conferred with national honours.

With Jamaica celebrating 53 years of Independence, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting on the advice of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller, appointed to the orders of the Societies of Honour and to award the Badge of Honour with effect from Independence Day.

Prendergast, 52, who officiated at the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final in South Korea and Japan, was awarded the Order of Distinction (OD) in the Rank of Officer for his invaluable contribution to the advancement of Jamaica’s football and refereeing.

Stewart, who started his service to football in 1967, is the current chairman of Harbour View Football Club and vice-chairman of the Premier League Clubs Association (PLCA), was also given the Order of Distinction for long and commendable service to Jamaica’s construction industry and sport.

Lyndel Wright, 65, a former Jamaica right-handed batsman and former president of the Jamaica Cricket Association up to 2013, was recognised with the Order of Distinction for his invaluable contribution to the development in the construction industry and sports, in particular cricket, in Jamaica.

Meanwhile, Grant and Watson received Badge of Honours for Long and Faithful Service. Grant received his for long and faithful service to the sport of cricket, while Watson received for excellent service to the Kensington Cricket Club.

Watson, 77, played seven Tests for the West Indies in the 1950s and early 1960s, taking 19 wickets with a best bowling figure of 4-62. He was a fast-bowling opening partner of Wes Hall.

— Howard Walker