Prominent
businessman and JMMB Group Chief Executive Officer Keith Duncan, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, and Jamaica Stock Exchange Managing Director Dr Marlene Street Forrest have been appointed members of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) on this year’s national honours and awards list.

The trio are among 141 Jamaicans appointed to the Orders of the Societies of Honour and awarded badges of honour, effective August 6, 2025. They will be presented with their insignias on National Heroes’ Day, October 20.

A total of 35 Jamaicans have been appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD), among them are Solicitor General Marlene Aldred, King’s Counsel, for contribution to the public service, in particular, to constitutional and legislative affairs; Dr Alverston Bailey, for contribution to public health, medical education and community advancement; Dr Trisha Marie Bailey, for contribution in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community service; Sancia Bennett Templer, for contribution to the public service; sprinter Yohan Andre Blake, for contribution to athletics in the area of track and field and philanthropy; Director of Elections Glasspole Brown, for service in the field of electoral management and democracy; and Dr Vernon DaCosta, for contribution to medical development through expertise in fertility research and gynaecological surgery.

Also vested with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander are veteran music producer Lloyd “King Jammy’’ James, for sterling contribution to Jamaica’s music industry and innovation in reggae dancehall; Justice Kissock Laing, for outstanding service to the judiciary; Justice Audre Lindo, for contribution to the development of the judiciary; Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood, for contribution to business development in the manufacturing and distribution sector; Olive Senior, for outstanding service and contribution to the literary arts; and Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, for public service, in particular the health and wellness sector.

Slain journalist Barbara Gayle and Dr Harriat “Harry” Maragh have been posthumously recognised with CDs for service to journalism and contribution to the development of the shipping, logistics and tourism sectors, respectively.

Forty-three Jamaicans have been appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD), among them gospel artiste Kevin Downswell, for contribution to gospel music, locally and internationally; former national footballer Ricardo “Bibi” Gardener, for contribution to sports, in particular, football; Dr Michelle Dianne Holt, for service in the field of medicine; West Indies cricketer Rovman Powell, for service in the field of sport in particular cricket; and Dr Lenora Antonette “L’Antoinette’’ Stines, for contribution in the arts, specifically dance.

Late reggae singer Garnett “Garnet Silk’’ Smith and former public servant Patricia “Pat’’ Reid, have both been posthumously recognised with ODs.

Keith Duncan, OJ

Marlene Street Forrest, OJ

Desmond McKenzie, OJ

Yohan Blake, CD

Sancia Bennett Templer, CD

Lloyd “King Jammy’’ James, CD

Olive Senior, CD

Dr Harriat “Harry” Maragh, CD (posthumous)

William Mahfood, CD

Ricardo “Bibi” Gardener, CD

Rovman Powell, CD

Barbara Gayle, CD (posthumous)f