A release from the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday stated that Blades would be honoured at a ceremony beginning at 9 a.m.

It said Blades had made a significant contribution to the Jamaican economy, especially in the areas of food processing and food distribution.

"He is best known for his contribution to business with the success of Facey Commodity and the Seprod Group of Companies. He is the chairman of both," the release added.

History

Blades, who was born in Barbados, migrated to Jamaica in 1961, where he started working with Musson, a company he heads 47 years later.

The businessman was, in 2002, inducted into the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica's hall of fame.

He has chaired a number of entities, including the Jamaica Conference Board, T. Geddes Grant, Facey Commodity, IndustrialSales, Stanley Motta, C.D. Alexander, General Accident Insurance Company and Cosmetics International.

The Jamaica House release said Blades also offered his expertise as a volunteer in various areas of national life.