The six recipients of the Order of Jamaica pose for the cameras following the National Honours and Awards ceremony at King's House yesterday. From left are: Dr. Rae Davis (contribution to education); Ray Hadeed (manufacturing); Justice Paul Harrison (service to the judiciary); Beverley Lopez (private sector leadership); Neville 'Teddy' McCook (contribution to sports); and Professor Owen St. Clair Morgan (medicine). - by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

A COLOURFUL crowd, which included Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition leader Bruce Golding, gathered at King's House yesterday to salute over 100 Jamaicans whose contributions in various sectors, were recognised during the annual National Honours and Awards ceremony.

Six of the 113 awardees received the Order of Jamaica, the country's fifth highest honour. They are University of Technology president, Dr. Rae Davis, for contribution to education; Ray Hadeed, for pioneering service to the manufacturing sector; Justice Paul Harrison, for outstanding service to the judiciary; Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica president, Beverley Lopez, for private sector leadership; Neville 'Teddy' McCook, for service to sports; and Professor Owen Morgan, who was recognised for distinguished contribution to medicine and medical education in Jamaica and overseas.

Thirty-two persons were awarded the Order of Distinction, 32 of them earning the rank of Commander. Forty-three OD recipients got the rank of Officer.

Among the OD Commander class were singer/songwriter, Bob Andy, musician Asley 'Grub' Cooper, broadcaster Newton James, police commissioner Lucius Thomas, civil servant Blossom O'Meally-Nelson and politician/manufacturer Douglas Vaz.

Boris Gardiner, a stalwart musician, was awarded the OD in the rank of Officer. So too Jalil Dabdoub for service to commerce, record producer Lloyd 'King Jammy' James for contribution to the music industry, and sportsmen Neville Myton and Renford Pinnock.

A mother's reward

Marcia Sutherland-Bailey, who killed a gunman when he invaded her Clarendon home in June, received prolonged applause when she accepted the Badge of Honour for Gallantry, one of three persons to receive this award.

In the other categories, 10 persons were awarded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, while there were 21 recipients of the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Four members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were given the Medal of Honour for Gallantry.

More than 80 persons from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (30), the Jamaica Constabulary Force (21), Department of Correctional Services (16), Jamaica Defence Force (14) and the Island Special Constabulary Force received the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.

Highlights from the National Honours and Awards ceremony

- Photos by Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Left: A beaming Boris Gardiner shows off his Order of Distinction (Commander class) which he received during the National Honours and Awards ceremony. Gardiner, a bass player and singer/songwriter, was rewarded for his dedicated service to the music industry.

Center: Singer/songwriter Ernie Smith received the Order of Distinction (Officer class) during yesterday's National Honours and Awards ceremony. Smith, a top performer in the 1970s, was cited for his outstanding contribution to music and Jamaica's cultural development.

Right: Singer/songwriter, Bob Andy, was presented with the Order of Distinction (Commander class). Andy (real name Keith Anderson) was recognised for his contribution to the development of reggae music.