KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emmy-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph and recording artiste, Agent Sasco were among 143 Jamaicans who were honoured at Monday’s national honours awards ceremony at King’s House.

Ralph was one of ten recipients awarded with the nation’s fifth-highest honour, the Order of Jamaica (OJ), which is bestowed on citizens of outstanding distinction.

Other awardees included five-time World Champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Culture, Entertainment, Sports and Gender Minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange; late business stalwart and founder of the Jamaica Money Market Brokers Ltd (JMMB), Joan Duncan; and renowned Jamaican jazz pianist, Monty Alexander.

READ: Sprint queen Fraser-Pryce leads 143 distinguished Jamaicans to receive national honours

Veteran Permanent Secretary Audrey Sewell; Justice (ret’d) Karl Harrison; Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughan; Rita Lewin; and Professor Alvin Wint, completed the list of OJ recipients.

Meanwhile, Vernon Davidson, the executive editor of the Jamaica Observer, received the Order of Distinction (OD) in the Rank of Commander (CD). Shericka Jackson, the second fastest 200-metre female sprinter of all time, Chief Medical Officer Dr Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, who has been pivotal in the island’s fight against COVID-19, were also among the 30 Jamaicans who received the Order of Distinction honour.

Dancehall artiste Agent Sasco, given name Jeffrey Campbell, was among 35 recipients of the Order of Distinction (OD) in the Rank of Officer.

A total of nine Jamaicans also received badges for gallantry. That list includes seven civilians and two policemen.

There were no recipients of the nation’s fourth-highest honour, the Order of Merit (OM).

The national awards were made under the National Honours and Awards Act, 1969. They are presented annually at a ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day.