Dionne Rose, Staff Reporter

Recipients of the Order of Jamaica. From left are Steve Bucknor, Keble Munn, Bishop Herro Blair, Dorothy Pine-McLarty, William 'Bill' Clarke, Adrian Strachan and Professor Edwin Jones (in wheelchair). - Ricardo Makyn/Staff Photographer

Yesterday was a moment of pride and joy for the more than 100 Jamaicans who were conferred with national honours and awards.

Seven persons received the Order of Jamaica (OJ). They are the Rev. Herro Blair, for outstanding service to religion and public service; Steve Bucknor, for outstanding service to the field of sports; William 'Bill' Clarke, for sterling contribution to banking and public service; Professor Edwin Jones, for excellence in academia and public service; Keble Munn, for sterling contribution to agriculture; and Dorothy Pine-McCarty and Adrian Strachan, for outstanding public service.

Reverend Blair described yesterday's ceremony, which was held at the National Indoor Sports Centre, as one of the happiest moments in his life.

"My nation owes me nothing. I owe it all to my nation. So I am happy that I have been recognised," he told The Gleaner shortly after the ceremony.

Being assisted in a wheelchair did not steal his moment of joy when Professor Edwin Jones was taken to receive his award. He told The Gleaner that all the other achievements he had ever received in his life paled when compared to yesterday's recognition.

"It is absolutely remarkable. I consider this as the most significant achievement ever," he said beaming with pride.

Two union leaders, Lambert Brown and Helene Davis-Whyte, were among the 40 persons conferred with the Order of Distinction (OD) in the rank of Commander. They were recognised for their service to the trade union movement and community development.

Meanwhile, Wayne Jones, president of the Jamaica Civil Service Association received an OD in the rank of Officer.

Entertainers

Several entertainers including international reggae star, Orville Richard 'Shaggy' Burrell, and Clarence Linberg 'Count Prince' Miller were recognised with ODs in the rank of Commander for their contribution to the Jamaican music industry. Clement Seymour 'Sir Coxone Dodd' and Arthur Stanley 'Duke' Reid were recognised post-humously.

Another 36 persons were conferred with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer. Some of the recipients are Dr. Wendel Abel; Edith Allwood-Anderson, president of the Nurses Association of Jamaica; and musicians, Ewart 'U-Roy' Beckford and Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney.

But, it was the two youngest recipients, eight-year-old Don-Christopher Barnes and 13-year-old Joel Davidson who got the most cheers and a standing ovation from the crowd when they were presented with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.

They were each recognised for saving the life of persons whom they rescued from the bottom of a swimming pool.

And the crowd erupted with laughter when Daniel Dawkins and Leston Simpson were presented with the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.

The men were being recognised for their quick-wittedness when they used effluent from a cesspool truck to extinguish a potentially catastrophic fire at a service station in Manor Park, upper St. Andrew.

Eleven persons received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, while seven persons received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service in areas such as community development, community service, education, nursing, dentistry and the public service.

dionne.rose@gleanerjm.com