Entertainers Wayne Marshall, Tarrus Riley, and Marcia Griffiths are among 125 Jamaicans who have been selected for recognition during the National Honours and Awards Ceremony to be held at King’s House on Heroes Day this year.

The National Honours and Awards was established under the The National Honours and Awards Act, on July 18, 1969. The ceremony serves to recognise those who, by their service and contribution, have had a meaningful impact on national life.

This year, Griffiths will be given the Order of Jamaica for her significant contribution to reggae music locally and internationally.

Former government minister Audley Shaw will be honoured for his sterling contribution to political administration.

The Order of Jamaica is ranked fourth in precedence and bestows the ‘honourable’ title on recipients. Additionally, recipients of the award are entitled to place the letters “OJ” after their name.

Other recipients of the Order of Jamaica include P B Scott, for exceptional contribution to Jamaica’s economic development and outstanding leadership in the business sector; Charles Johnston, past president of the Shipping Association of Jamaica, for his contribution to Jamaica’s shipping and logistics industry; and Bishop Howard Gregory, Anglican archbishop of the West Indies, for service in the field of religion.

Reggae and dancehall artistes Wayne ‘Marshall’ Mitchell and Omar ‘Taurus’ Riley will also be made Officer of the Order of Distinction for their contribution to entertainment.

The Officer of the Order of Distinction falls under the Order of Distinction category, along with the Commander of the Order of Distinction. Recipients of the award are entitled to place the letters “OD” after their name.

Other recipients of the Officer of the Order of Distinction include Earl Moxam, for contribution in the fields of journalism and communications; Clifton George Reader, for contributions to tourism; Arthur Hall, for service in journalism; and Justine Henzell, for contribution to the film and television industry and to the literary arts.

Additionally, O’Neil Grant will be recognised for service to the trade union movement and the public service, and Don Earl Smith for work in the field of tourism.

Commander of the Order of Distinction will also be bestowed upon six recipients: John Mahfood, for contribution to the manufacturing and distribution sectors; Mark Myers, for contributions in business; and Professor George Waller; for his contribution to global tourism resilience and governance.

Additionally, Yoni Epstein will be recognised for contribution to the business processing outsourcing sector, while Garth Gayle, president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association, will be honoured for contributions to sports; and Neville Garrick for entertainment.