American singer, actor and social activist Harry Belafonte, whose mother was of Jamaican descent, heads 130 individuals who have been recognised in this year’s National Honours and Awards list.

Belafonte has been accorded Jamaica’s fourth highest order — the Order of Merit — for outstanding contribution in the field of music.

The appointments, which became effective yesterday and will be presented on National Heroes Day in October, include the Order of Jamaica to four Jamaicans — Tourism Enhancement Fund Chairman Godfrey Dyer, for exceptional contribution in the field of tourism; Jamaica National Group General Manager Earl Jarrett, for exceptional contribution to the banking and financial sectors, public service, and volunteerism; singer and actor Grace Jones, for exceptional contribution in the field of entertainment internationally; and Giuseppe Maffessanti, for exceptional contribution to the construction industry, social development, welfare and philanthropy.

Thirty-one Jamaicans have been appointed to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. Among them are owner of Ammar’s stores, Michael Ammar Jr; Olympian swimmer Alia Atkinson; music and media industry personality Winston Barnes; veterinarian Dr Clifford Bradford; Justice Courtney Daye; real estate and financial industry executive Stephen Facey; veteran trade unionist Kavan Gayle; former Education Minister Maxine Henry-Wilson; communications consultant, philanthropist and Jamaica Observer columnist Jean Lowrie-Chin; businesswoman Lorna Myers; Justice Leighton Pusey; Jamaica’s high commissioner to London George Ramocan; environmentalist Professor Dale Webber; and US Congresswoman Yvette Clarke.

Among the 36 recipients of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer are Bishop Rowan Edwards; music industry executive John Gourzong; former Deputy Commissioner of Police Novelette Grant; music industry expert and broadcaster Dermot Hussey; environmental management expert Eleanor Jones; and Chief Education Officer Dr Grace McLean.

The Badge of Honour for Gallantry has been awarded to nine Jamaicans, 20 individuals have been accorded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, while 29 Jamaicans have been accorded the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.