Jamaican National Awards & Honours

Did you know that Jamaica’s proud system of national recognition — our National Honours and Awards — was officially established over five decades ago? It was born out of a deep desire to celebrate those who’ve made meaningful and lasting contributions to the nation’s life and development.

This national programme came into being under The National Honours and Awards Act, which was enacted on July 18, 1969. The law gave Jamaica the framework to properly recognize bravery, exceptional service, and extraordinary achievements — all in our own name and right as an independent nation.

The Act was piloted through the House of Representatives by the then Prime Minister, The Honourable Hugh Shearer, and it initially created four main Societies of Honour. Over time, additional honours were added, each carrying its own history, symbolism, and national importance.

The recipients of these awards are usually announced to the public on Independence Day, August 6, while the official presentation ceremony takes place on National Heroes Day — the third Monday in October each year — at the historic National Heroes Park in Kingston.

These awards, medals, and orders are much more than decorations. They’re symbols of bravery, integrity, selfless service, and national pride — a way for Jamaica to say “thank you” to those who’ve gone above and beyond for the good of our people.

If you’d like to read the actual law that governs these honours, you can download a copy of the Act right here.

Each Order Has Its Own Motto

Every Order carries a special motto — words that capture its spirit and purpose. Here are the mottos for each:

• Order of Jamaica (OJ): “For a covenant of the people”


• Order of Merit (OM): “He that does truth comes into the light”


• Order of Excellence (OE): “Excellence through service”


• Order of the Nation (ON): “One Nation Under God”


• Order of National Hero: “He built a city which hath foundations”


• Order of Distinction: “Distinction through service”

The Order of National Hero

According to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS), the Order of National Hero is the highest of all Jamaica’s honours. It may be conferred upon any person who was born in Jamaica, or who, at the time of their death, was a Jamaican citizen, and who rendered service of the most distinguished nature to the country.

Those conferred with this Order are styled as “The Right Excellent”, and their motto — “He built a city which hath foundations” — reflects their lasting impact on the nation’s character and identity.

The Insignia

The insignia of the Order of National Hero is a magnificent symbol of honour and pride. It features a gold and white enamelled star with fourteen points, bearing the Coat of Arms of Jamaica at its centre in gold on a black enamel medallion. Around it is inscribed the motto of the Order in gold lettering on a green enamel background. The collar badge is suspended from a black, gold, and green neck riband — the colours of our national flag — by a gold and green enamelled laurel wreath.

Members of the Order of National Hero (Deceased)

1. Nanny of the Maroons (circa 1600s – circa 1740s)
   
   Leader of the Windward Maroons and fearless defender of freedom at the beginning of the 18th century.



2. Samuel Sharpe (1700s – May 23, 1832)
   
   Deacon and Leader at Burchell Baptist Church, Montego Bay. Remembered for his pivotal role in the 1831–32 Emancipation Rebellion.



3. George William Gordon (circa 1820s – October 23, 1865)
   
   Member of the House of Assembly. His advocacy for justice and equality cost him his life after the Morant Bay Rebellion.



4. Paul Bogle (circa 1822 – October 24, 1865)
   
   Deacon of the Native Baptist Church in Stony Gut, St. Thomas. Courageous leader of the 1865 Morant Bay Rebellion.



5. Marcus Mosiah Garvey (August 17, 1887 – June 10, 1940)
   
   Visionary Founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and champion of black pride and unity worldwide.



6. Sir Alexander Bustamante, GBE (February 24, 1884 – August 6, 1977)
   
   Jamaica’s first Prime Minister and Founder of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). He also served as Chief Minister and Premier during the nation’s formative years.



7. Norman Washington Manley, MM, QC (July 4, 1893 – September 2, 1969)
   
   Nationalist leader and Founder of the People’s National Party (PNP). Served as Chief Minister and later as Premier of Jamaica, laying the groundwork for independence.

Each of these men and women helped to shape the destiny of Jamaica in their own remarkable ways — through courage, leadership, and vision. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of Jamaicans at home and abroad.

Sources:
Jamaica Information Service (JIS) &
Jamaican Echoes

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