KINGSTON, Jamaica – Seven women were among the 10 outstanding Jamaicans on Monday conferred with the nation’s fifth highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ), during the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards.

The seven women included Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, for her contribution to cultural development and political administration; Olympian, Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, for her outstanding performance in the field of athletics at the international level; Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Audrey Sewell, for her distinguished contribution to public service.

Also conferred with the OJ are Joan Duncan (posthumously) for distinguished service to the banking sector and development of the money market; Rita Humphries-Lewin for her contribution to the financial sector, in particular, the stock broking industry; and Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan for pioneering research, clinical work and policy development in child health, child development and behaviour.

In addition, actress and cultural ambassador, Sheryl Lee Ralph, received the Honorary OJ for her sterling contribution to the international film industry.

Overall, 221 Jamaicans were recognised for their service and significant impact on national life at the ceremony held on the lawns of King’s House.

The National Heroes Day event was held face-to-face for the first time since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, presided over the function, which was attended by Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, and other officials and dignitaries including President of the Crown Council of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Prince Ermias Sahle Selassie, who was a special guest for National Heritage Week.

Grange said the fact that so many women were conferred with the OJ is significant.

“It is the 60th anniversary of our Independence and it speaks volumes of the role a woman has played here and in our Diaspora and I just want to congratulate everyone,” she said.

Meanwhile, an emotional Ralph said she is grateful for the recognition.

“They say, there’s a reason, a season and a time…well I am in my season and I am reaping the benefits of love. I am just so thrilled and thankful,” she said.

Addtionally, 30 people received the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Commander. Among those conferred are Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-Mckenzie; Rear Admiral Antonette Wemyss Gorman and Olympian Shericka Jackson.

For his outstanding contribution to music, philanthropy and positive message to the youth, Jeffrey “Agent Sasco” Campbell, received an OD in the rank of Officer.

Dr Amina Blackwood Meeks also received the OD in the rank of Officer for her contribution to the development of the literary arts in Jamaican culture.

Six Jamaicans received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, four of whom collectively aided in rescuing a schoolgirl, who was being abducted in St Andrew in March.

The six are Jeffrey Bowen, Tanesha Brown, Junior Clark, Aselee Sutherland, Winston Thorpe and Cedesiha Williams.

Meanwhile, 29 individuals received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, while 30 people received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service, while two members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) received the Medal of Honour for Gallantry.

The JCF members are Sergeant Leon Fisher and Constable Kevin Lewars for demonstrating courage in pursuing a suspect considered Jamaica’s ‘Most Wanted Man’ during an operation in St James on April 28, 2018.