OJ ‘the icing on the cake’ for Sheryl Lee Ralph
Minister Grange ‘touched to be honoured by my country’
Published:Tuesday | October 18, 2022 | 10:28 AMYasmine Peru/Senior Gleaner Writer
It was definitely a case of ‘better a little late than never’ for Emmy Award-winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph on Heroes Day, when she showed up at King’s House to be officially conferred with the Order of Jamaica (OJ), a title which now gives her the right to be referred to as ‘Honourable’.
Dressed in a sunshine yellow, one-shoulder, form-fitting Perry Meeks design and styled by her daughter Ivy Coco Maurice, she was – in dancehall parlance – the ultimate ‘good body, good gal’. And when she stepped with purpose on the podium to face Governor General Sir Patrick Allen, the loudest of cheers and applause erupted spontaneously. Having received her honour in true Hollywood style, the Honourable Sheryl Lee Ralph, OJ, turned to the audience and graciously blew a kiss. It was received by all...and it’s still up for debate whether or not protocol was broken by an airy kiss.
Shortly after, a picture was posted to her social media account of her receiving the honour with the caption: “Well, it is now official! I am The Honourable Sheryl Lee Ralph OJ (Order of Jamaica) Warrior Woman! #ThisisWhatBelievingLooksLike.”
In a post-ceremony interview with the JIS, Ralph described receiving the Order of Jamaica as “the icing on the cake”.
“I thought it was a feeling of elation when I won the Emmy, but to be conferred with the Order of Jamaica, my mother having been conferred Order of Distinction. Ivy Ralph OD ...we say Original Diva. I feel so proud. Pictures have been posted already, and the way people are responding throughout Jamaica, across the Caribbean, has been phenomenal,” she said.
Ralph, who won her first Emmy Award last month, and gave an acceptance speech which superseded every acceptance speech done before, humbly explained that this is definitely her season.
“They say that there is a reason, a season and a time. Well, I am in my season, and I am reaping the benefits of love. Thank you to the minister (Olivia Grange) for every part she has played in organising such a wonderful event. I am just blessed and thankful and truly grateful. It’s truly wonderful.”
Ralph was awarded the OJ “for sterling contribution as an actress, cultural ambassador for Jamaica, and [for her] contribution to the international film industry”.
For Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, the recipient of the Order of Jamaica “for sterling contribution to cultural development and political administration in Jamaica”, it was an emotional day. She admitted that she was surprised when she was told she was one of the honorees.
“It’s a great feeling. I am touched to be honoured by my country, and for the prime minister and the Cabinet to see it fit to give me the honour Order of Jamaica. I am happy to be sharing this with a number of other great Jamaicans ... Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Sheryl Lee Ralph ... and other persons from the sectors from which I have responsibility, and also with other Jamaicans who have excelled in other areas of endeavour to make Jamaica this great nation that it is. And, particularly at this time when Jamaica is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and in the presence of Haile Selassie’s grandson, Prince Ermias and his wife Princess Saba Kebede,” Minister Grange told The Gleaner.
The minister shared that 2022 has been a special year “because I have been honoured in this way, and I am also happy because it is the first time that so many women have been honoured with the Order of Jamaica at one National Awards ceremony”.
Seven women were conferred with OJs.
Grange added with a laugh, “As the prime minister says, ‘You are now the Honourable Honourable.’”
Also conferred with the Order of Jamaica from the entertainment industry was Monty Alexander “for sterling contribution to the promotion of Jamaican music and the jazz genre interpretation globally”. However, he was absent from Monday’s ceremony.
The honour of the Order of Jamaica may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who renders outstanding and important services to Jamaica and upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honorary member). The motto for the Order is “For a covenant of the people.”