The document outlines the objectives and structure of Jamaica's national honors and awards system, established in 1969 to recognize individuals for exemplary service to the nation. It describes various orders, such as the Order of the National Hero and the Order of Merit, along with their criteria and notable recipients. The document also includes suggested activities for students to engage with the topic by recognizing personal heroes and advocating for deserving individuals to receive honors.

1. Grade 7 JAMAICA NATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS Ms C Walker
Objectives
✓ Define terms
✓ Identify the national awards and honors conferred on Jamaicans
✓ Evaluate the criteria used for the awards of national hero
Jamaican national honors
On the third (3rd) Monday of October in each year, Jamaica commemorates National Heroes Day.
The nation takes time out to honor those who have give exemplary service. On this day, these
individuals are bestowed with national honors and awards. It is in recognition of their meaningful and
significant contributions to the development of Jamaica and its citizens. The system of national
honors and awards was established by Prime Minister Hugh Shearer
On July 18, 1969, there was a proclamation of the National Honors and Awards Act.
JAMAICA NATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS
Formal recognition of service to Jamaica and its citizens may be given by the conferment of the
honor of one of the Orders of the six Societies of Honor. This is under the provisions of the National
Honors and Awards Act.
The five levels of National Awards given to Jamaicans are:
The order of the national hero
The order of the nation
The order of merit
The order of Jamaica
The order of distinction
➢ The order of Excellency is given primarily to foreign Heads of States
THE ORDER OF NATIONAL HERO
The Order of National Hero is the most senior order. The honor of the Order of National Hero may be
conferred upon any person who was born in Jamaica or is, at the time of his or her death was a
citizen of Jamaica. The person has also rendered service to Jamaica of a most distinguished nature.
Members of the Order of National
Activity 1: List the National Heroes
1) George William Gordon
2) Paul Bogle
3) Marcus Garvey
4) Norman Manley
5) Nanny of the Maroons
6) Alexander Bustamante
7) Sam Sharpe

2. THE ORDER OF THE NATION
THE ORDER OF THE NATION
The honor of the Order of the Nation (ON) may be conferred upon any Governor-
General of Jamaica. It can also be given to an appointed as Prime Minister of
Jamaica, not who had not received the Order of National Hero. A member of the
Order is styled “The Most Honorable” and so is the spouse.
Members of the Order of the Nation
▪ His Excellency, The Most Honourable Sir Patrick Linton Allen, ON, CD
Governor General of Jamaica
▪ The Most Honourable Sir Howard Felix Hanlan Cooke, ON, GCMG, GCVO, CD
Governor-General of Jamaica (Retired)
ORDER OF EXCELLENCE (OE)
The honor of the Order of Excellence (OE) is ranked equally, with the honor of the Order
of the Nation. It may be conferred upon any foreign Head of State or Government or
former foreign Head of State or Government
A member of the Order is styled “The Most Honorable”
Members of the Order of Excellence
His Excellency Mbeki Thabo – President of the Republic of China July 1, 2003
King Juan Carlos of Spain
Conferred during Royal Visit – February 2009
ORDER OF MERIT (OM)
The honour of the Order of Merit (OM) may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica
who has achieved eminent international distinction. It can also be given to any
distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica. This is in the field of science, arts,
literature or any other endeavor.

3. Members of the Order of Merit
His Excellency Dr Fidel Castro Ruz,OJ
President of the Republic of Cuba
James (Jimmy Cliff) Chambers, OD
Singer, Song-writer and Actor
Dr Albert Belville Lockhart
Consultant and Ophthalmologist,
The University of the West Indies
ORDER OF JAMAICA
The honor of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) may be conferred upon any Jamaican citizen
of outstanding distinction. It can also be given to any distinguished citizen of a country
other than Jamaica. A member of the Order is styled “Honorable” and the motto of the
Order is “For a covenant of the People”.
Members
Peter Henry Abrahams Writer
Vernin Arnett
Former Member of Parliament and Minister of Government
His Excellency Don Patricio Asocar Aylwyn Former President of the Republic of Chile
ORDER OF DISTINCTION
The honor of the Order may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who renders
outstanding and important service to Jamaica. It can also be given to any
distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honorary member).
BADGE OF HONOUR
The Badge of Honor may be awarded to civilian residents of Jamaica and also to
foreign nationals who are employed in Jamaica’s Diplomatic and Consular Missions
overseas in the following three categories.
a) Gallantry ( great courage)
b) Meritorious Service ( service worthy of noting)

4. c) Long and Faithful Service (loyal service in a profession, hobby etc)
MEDAL OF HONOUR
The Medal of Honour for Gallantry may be awarded to officers and other members of
the uniformed services who have performed acts of heroism or have shown great
courage in circumstances of extreme danger, performed distinguished service or have
displayed distinguished conduct or bravery.
This is awarded to members in the :
1. Jamaica Fire Brigade
2. Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)
3. Jamaica Defense Force (JDF)
4. Correctional Service ( Prison guards/
Wardens)
Activity
1) Make a replica of any one of the national honours and awards that you think should
be given to your personal hero. (10 marks)
2) Write a letter to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, educating him about two individuals
that you think should be awarded national honours and awards and why. (15 Marks)