THE lush green lawns of King’s House will once again resonate with dignity, applause, and reflection as the nation convenes for the 2025 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards today.

The event, which traditionally marks National Heroes’ Day, is more than a stately ritual — it is a national mirror, casting light on those whose work, sacrifice, and brilliance have enriched Jamaican life.

Since the passage of the National Honours and Awards Act in 1969, Jamaica has maintained a system of orders, decorations and awards intended to formally recognise exemplary service, bravery, scholarship, culture and community work.

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, acting as chancellor of the orders, confers these honours on the advice of the prime minister.

Over six orders stand at the heart of this system — from the Order of National Hero down through the Order of Excellence, Order of Merit, Order of Jamaica, and ranks of the Order of Distinction (Commander and Officer). Beyond these, various badges and medals mark gallantry, meritorious service, or long and faithful service.

The ceremony is customarily held on the third Monday in October (Heroes’ Day), and King’s House remains the symbolic seat for these investitures.

This year’s honours list features 141 Jamaicans slated to be awarded.

Among the distinguished set of awardees announced for 2025 are three individuals who will be appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the fourth-highest honour in the land.

Group chief executive officer of JMMB Group and recently appointed Government Senator Keith Duncan has been recognised for his exceptional service in finance, business, and social development. Over nearly two decades at the helm of the JMMB Group, Duncan has overseen its transformation from a local money market broker into a regional financial powerhouse operating across the Caribbean. Beyond the boardroom, he has played a pivotal role in Jamaica’s economic reform process as chairman of the Economic Programme Oversight Committee (EPOC), ensuring transparency and accountability in national fiscal management.

A former president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), Duncan is also known for championing economic inclusion and youth development through initiatives such as Project STAR and the Youth Upliftment Through Employment (YUTE) programme. His recognition with the OJ follows earlier distinction with the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) in 2020, underscoring his enduring impact on both the economy and social transformation.

Joining Duncan among this year’s Order of Jamaica honorees is Desmond McKenzie, the long-serving minister of local government and rural development, honoured for more than four decades of public service. A former mayor of Kingston and one of the youngest ever to hold that position, McKenzie has been a fixture in Jamaica’s political landscape since his early days as a councillor in the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC). His tenure as minister has been marked by efforts to modernise local governance, strengthen municipal management, and bolster disaster preparedness and community resilience. Known for his forthright style and hands-on leadership, McKenzie’s recognition reflects his sustained commitment to public administration and grass roots representation.

Also receiving the Order of Jamaica is Marlene Street Forrest, the dynamic former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), celebrated for her leadership in transforming the JSE into one of the world’s top-performing exchanges. Under her guidance the JSE achieved global recognition for transparency, growth, and innovation, consistently ranking among the best-performing markets worldwide. Street Forrest’s strategic vision has helped position the local stock market as a platform for wealth creation and business expansion, earning Jamaica international credibility in capital market development. Her contribution to financial education and investment access has also made her a trailblazer for women in leadership within the financial sector.

Beyond the OJ recipients, this year’s honours list reflects the diversity and vibrancy of Jamaican achievement. Among those appointed to the Order of Distinction (Commander Class) are track star Yohan Blake, recognised for his contribution to athletics and philanthropy; celebrated author Olive Senior, for her outstanding work in literature and cultural preservation; and record producer Lloyd “King Jammy” James, honoured for his innovation and influence in reggae and dancehall production.

Furthermore, Dr Christopher Tufton will also be recognised for his long service across several ministerial portfolios (agriculture and fisheries; industry, investment and commerce; health) while his efforts in repositioning agriculture as a business and in public health leadership have also contributed to the rationale for the award.Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, former national footballer, will receive the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer for his contributions to sport, particularly Jamaican football.

In the Diaspora, Jamaican-American entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Trisha Bailey is being recognised for her leadership in business and extensive charitable contributions, while Alsion Roach-Wilson, Jamaica’s consul general in New York, receives distinction for her efforts in strengthening Diaspora engagement and advancing education and technology initiatives.

In the meantime, this year’s youngest honoree is 13-year-old Adrian Ellis of Gregory Park, St Catherine, who will receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry after heroically saving a classmate’s life earlier this year.

The act of bravery took place on 30 April 2025 when Ellis, a student of Ascot High School, sprang into action after a schoolmate suffered a serious head injury near Portmore Mall. Without hesitation he removed his undershirt to bandage the wound and applied pressure to stop the bleeding until help arrived — an act medical personnel later credited with preventing a fatal outcome.

Under the National Honours and Awards Act, the Badge of Honour for Gallantry is presented to civilians who perform acts of heroism or display great courage in circumstances of extreme danger.

His inclusion adds a powerful human touch to the 2025 roll of honour — a reminder that courage and service know no age or title.

Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Desmond McKenzie (Photo: Joseph Wellington)

Dr Marlene Street Forrest, former managing director of the Jamaica Stock Exchange.

Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake.

Alsion Roach‑Wilson, Jamaica’s consul general in New York.

Lloyd “King Jammy” James, veteran music producer.

Ricardo “Bibi” Gardner, former national footballer.