Professor Orlando Patterson was conferred with membership in the Order of Merit. (Photo: Facebook)

Almost 200 Jamaicans were recognised on National Heroes Day for their contributions to the development of the nation, during a virtual National Honours and Awards ceremony aired on Monday.

The nation’s fourth highest honour, membership in the Order of Merit, was conferred on Professor Orlando Patterson; while five other Jamaicans received membership in the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation’s fifth highest honour.

The five new members of the Order of Jamaica are Minister of Labour and Social Security Karl Samuda, who was recognised for 40 years of distinguished public service, political representation and public policy development; Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson, for distinguished public service; Brian Wynter, for distinguished service to central banking and the financial sector in Jamaica; Olympian Merlene Ottey, for distinguished contribution to track and field; and banker Patrick Hylton, for his distinguished contribution to the financial sector and philanthropy.

Tom Tavares-Finson, president of the Senate, was conferred with membership in the Order of Jamaica. (Photo: Facebook)

Governor General Sir Patrick Allen also bestowed 31 Jamaicans with the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander (CD), while 40 received the Order of Distinction (OD) in the Rank of Officer, for outstanding work in various fields.

The airing of the 2020 National Honours and Awards ceremony on national television and social media platforms, was preceded by a floral tribute, which was broadcast live from National Heroes Park in Kingston.

The Badge of Honour for Gallantry was bestowed on one civilian and three district constables for acts of bravery they displayed to save lives. In addition, the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service was conferred on 26 persons, while 20 individuals received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

“Each year, as we recall the contribution of past and present heroes, we are inspired by their selflessness and moved to emulate their courage. By their outstanding sacrifices, our heroes have made Jamaica a better place.”

Sir Patrick Allen, governor general of Jamaica

In his recorded message, Sir Patrick congratulated the recipients for their stellar contribution to nation-building, their heroism, bravery, and volunteerism.

“They are examples for others to follow,” he emphasised.

“Each year, as we recall the contribution of past and present heroes, we are inspired by their selflessness and moved to emulate their courage. By their outstanding sacrifices, our heroes have made Jamaica a better place.”

Brian Wynter, former governor of the Bank of Jamaica, was conferred with membership in the Order of Jamaica. (Photo: Facebook)

Replying on behalf of those honoured, Patterson expressed gratitude to the Government and people of Jamaica for the recognition of his contribution to Jamaica and that of his fellow awardees.

“On behalf of all of us, it is with great humility, gratitude and joy that we accept these national awards. We are humbled and privileged to walk in the footsteps of those who have previously been honoured, who have contributed so much to our country’s social and spiritual life, its politics, business, security and vibrant culture,” he said.

Patterson, who was honoured for his international contribution to academia, West Indian literature, sociology and the epistemology of social culture, thanked previous honours and awards recipients for paving the way “and for being the martyrs of excellence that we all strive to emulate”.

“On behalf of my fellow honourees, I also wish to give thanks to the parents and relatives who brought us up and to all those who helped them. In the sacrifices they made, they went well beyond the call of duty, nurturing us to work harder, to think more clearly, to be courageous, to strive always to become the best that we could be,” he said, in his recorded message.

Known for his work on issues of race in the United States, Patterson is a historical and cultural sociologist, and the John Cowles Professor of Sociology at Harvard University.

Patterson is currently spearheading Jamaica’s 14-member Education Transformation Commission, which has been  tasked with carrying out a comprehensive review of the country’s education system.

Membership in the Order of Merit may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica or a distinguished citizen of another country who has achieved international distinction. The honour is not conferred upon more than two persons in any one year.

JIS