Six Jamaicans to Receive Order of Jamaica at National Heroes Day Ceremony

Three civilians are among those selected to receive the Badge of Honour for Gallantry at Jamaica’s 2026 National Honours and Awards ceremony.

The recipients are Danielle Anna-Marie Barnswell, her husband, Councillor Scean Barnswell, and Susan Annmarie Higgins.

The awards presentation will take place on Monday, October 19, at King’s House, where Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen will oversee the National Heroes Day proceedings.

A total of 140 Jamaicans are slated for recognition for their contributions to the country, with six individuals selected for the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation’s fifth highest honour.

Among the six are former Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles, Sagicor Group Jamaica Chief Executive Officer Christopher Zacca, and philanthropist Donette Chin-Loy Chang.

Also receiving the OJ will be Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz, along with former government ministers Maxine Henry-Wilson and Derrick Smith.

Several other national decorations will be presented, including 25 Orders of Distinction at the Commander (CD) level and 41 at the Officer (OD) level.

Another 33 individuals are scheduled to receive the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service, while 30 will be awarded the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

The country’s system of national honours was established under the National Honours and Awards Act, which came into effect on July 18, 1969.

The legislation provides for six national orders: the Order of National Hero, Order of the Nation, Order of Excellence, Order of Merit, Order of Jamaica and Order of Distinction. Medals and Badges of Honour also recognise gallantry and meritorious service.

Members of Jamaica’s uniformed services will also be recognised through the Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force accounts for 25 recipients, followed by 15 from the Jamaica Fire Brigade, 13 from the Department of Correctional Services and 12 from the Jamaica Defence Force.

The ceremony is scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. on the lawns of King’s House, with attendees required to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

For those unable to attend in person, the Jamaica Information Service will provide a live broadcast of the event through its website, jis.gov.jm

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