Dr Marlene Street Forrest, the sole female among the three individuals vested with the Order of Jamaica (OJ) this year, has described as “humbling” the recognition which, she says, came as a total surprise.

“I was not expecting it, that’s number one. I was really sitting down [when the call came] and I was glad I was sitting down because I would have had to grab for my seat,” Street Forrest told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

Dr Street Forrest, who has served at the helm of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) for more than two decades, steering its transformative growth and morphing from some 50,000 account holders to more than 380,000, said the mantra “service above self” and not rewards was the impetus for her contribution.

“I am humbled by the recognition and I am thankful. I thank God for keeping me and guiding me throughout my career so that I could have been of service to my country. I am honoured to be considered for this special award. I know when it is being considered due diligence is done, and so I do not take it lightly,” added Street Forrest, who served as financial controller of the Observer in the newspaper’s early days.

“It really serves as a reminder that service and dedication to nation-building is something that can be rewarded and doesn’t go unnoticed. Though you are not working for notice — you must never work for notice — but deeply you must be connected with the idea that you are here for a purpose and that you are Jamaican and what you put in is for the benefit of Jamaica and for your company. It is important that you do that without thinking of being recognised,” said Street Forrest, who is one of a handful of women who have headed stock exchanges worldwide.

Now at the pinnacle of her career and poised for retirement, Street Forrest pays homage to her family whom she describes as the “wind beneath my wings”.

“My family members, they are very happy for me but I am even moreso happy for them because it is partly because of them being the wind beneath my wings [that I’ve achieved so much]. It’s not a large family, but they have always been behind me in everything I do; sometimes, in the challenging moments they encourage me, they say ‘never mind’ or ‘congratulations’. Family is important and they are happy for me, they celebrate with me,” said Street Forrest, who was previously honoured by the Government of Jamaica by being made a member of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) for outstanding leadership in the growth of the JSE in 2016.

The honour of the Order of Jamaica may be conferred upon any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction or upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (honorary member). A member of the Order is styled “Honourable” and the motto of the Order is “For a covenant of the People”.

The Order of Jamaica is the fourth-highest of the six orders in the Jamaican honours system.

Prominent businessman and JMMB Group Chief Executive Officer Keith Duncan and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie are the other two individuals appointed members of the Order of Jamaica 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) while 43 Jamaicans have been appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) this year.

The Order of Jamaica insignia.