Dear Editor,

Your editorial of October 11, 2023 deals with the important subject of national honours. As we discuss questions of constitutional reform, we should pay attention not only to the structure of the State but to the symbols of nationhood.

As your editorial points out, from time to time there have been discussions on the criteria for being named a national hero. Unfortunately, the subject does not appear to have attracted official attention and certainly no official guidance has been published.

The discussions have so far been directed at the question of whether the list of our national heroes should be expanded to include other outstanding Jamaicans. In my opinion, the differences of opinion essentially result from the varying connotations of the word “hero”. It is essential that as a nation we define clearly the characteristics of our national honours.

At present, apart from providing for the conferment of the Order of the Nation (ON) on a person holding the office of governor general or prime minister and the Order of Excellence on a foreign head of State or Government, there is hardly any specific definition of the criteria for the conferment of other national honours and awards.

In respect of the conferment of the honour of national hero, there is merely a vague reference in the National Honours and Awards Act to a person who has rendered to Jamaica “service of the most distinguished nature”. As regards the Order of Merit, the relevant regulations state that it may be conferred “upon any citizen of Jamaica who has achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature, or any other endeavour”. This is probably the only clearly expressed criterion.

The Act lists the national honours in what is clearly intended to be an order of precedence, without so stating, as follows:

(a) The Order of National Hero;

(b) The Order of the Nation;

(c) The Order of Merit;

(d) The Order of Jamaica; and

(e) The Order of Distinction.

However, this hierarchical arrangement does not provide any definitive clarity. As a result, there are differences of opinions as to the appropriateness of including several important people in the list of national heroes. The word “hero” has several connotations. One that is well established and appears to have dictated the selection of our first national heroes is a person who has displayed exceptional courage, skill, or fortitude in averting or repelling immense danger or great odds or made great sacrifice in the creation or defence of the Jamaican people or nation. I suggest that a definition of this nature should be specifically established.

I agree that there is another group of illustrious people who also deserve very high recognition. These are individuals who are greatly admired for their excellent achievements in a public sphere, resulting in the enhancement of the national image or identity. Some of these people have been identified in your editorial under reference. For these people I suggest that a new national honour entitled ‘National Icon’ be created.

Although the words “hero” and “icon” are sometimes used interchangeably, confusion would be avoided by the clear expression of the applicable criteria. I suggest that the new honour should be ranked immediately after the Order of National Hero.

We should also consider whether it is not desirable that the criteria for the award of our other national honours should now be clearly stated.

I sincerely hope that we can make some progress in this matter as we approach the task of reforming our constitution.

Lloyd G Barnett

Attorney-at-law

dr.lgbarnett@gmail.com