KINGSTON, Jamaica — Businessman Kenneth Loshusan has been posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction, rank of Commander (CD), for his contributions to industry and commerce.

Family members and friends gathered at the Courtyard by Marriott in Kingston on October 19 to celebrate the honour, 15 years after his passing.

His son, Bruce, described his father as a visionary who pursued projects to drive development and improve the lives of Jamaicans, particularly in economically depressed communities.

“My dad was a visionary. He was always ahead of his time. He wanted to do projects that were revolutionary and that were the catalyst for development and the catalyst for making people’s lives better,” he said.

Bruce explained that his father often identified potential in communities that others might have overlooked and strategically selected locations for his projects because of his commitment to nation-building.

“He believed in nation-building and helping Jamaica and Jamaican citizens,” he said.

He added that the family was proud that his father’s contribution to industry and commerce was being recognised more than a decade after his passing.

Loshusan was among 25 people conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander as part of the National Honours and Awards announced for National Heroes Day on October 19.

A total of 140 Jamaicans were recognised for their contributions to nation-building. The honours included six recipients of the Order of Jamaica, 25 recipients of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, 41 in the rank of Officer, 33 recipients of the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service and 30 recipients of the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Three civilians were also recognised with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.

(Video: Llewellyn Wynter)