One hundred forty-one Jamaicans from various sectors, including business, politics, sports and entertainment, are to receive National Honours and Awards later this year on Heroes’ Day, October 20, for their contributions to nation-building.

Among them are Jamaica Money Market Bank’s (JMMB) Group Chief Executive Officer Keith Duncan, Jamaica Stock Exchange Managing Director Marlene Street Forrest, and Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, who are to be appointed members of the Order of Jamaica; and Wisynco Group Chairman William Mahfood, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, and Olympian Yohan Blake, who are among those to be appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander.

Duncan is being recognised for his exceptional service in the field of finance, business, and social development; Dr Street Forrest for her exceptional service in the field of capital market development; and McKenzie for his exceptional contribution to the public service in the area of local government and community development and representational politics.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Linton Allen made the announcement on Independence Day, August 6.

A total of 35 Jamaicans have been appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD). Chief 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 contributions to public health, medical education and community advancement
• Dr Trisha Marie Bailey, for contributions in entrepreneurship, philanthropy and community service
• Sancia Bennett Templer, for contribution to the public service
• Jamaican sprint champion Yohan Andre Blake, for contributions 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
• Dr Vernon DaCosta, for contribution to medical development through expertise in fertility research and gynaecological surgery
• 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 contributions 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
• Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, for public service, particularly in the health and wellness sector

Four persons are being posthumously awarded. They are:

• Journalist Barbara Gayle, CD, for service to journalism
• Dr Harriat ‘Harry’ Maragh, CD, for contribution to the development of the shipping, logistics and tourism sectors
• Reggae singer Garnett ‘Garnet Silk’ Smith, OD
• Former public servant Patricia ‘Pat’ Reid, OD

Forty-three Jamaicans have been appointed members of the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD). Among them are:

• Kevin Downswell, for contributions to gospel music, locally and internationally
• Ricardo ‘Bibi’ Gardener, for his 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, particularly cricket
• Dr Lenora Antonette ‘L’Antoinette’’ Stines, for contribution in the arts, specifically dance

See the full National Honours and Awards list below: