CATEGORIES
Merit may be conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica or distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (an honorary member) who has achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavour. It is not conferred upon more than two persons in any one year. The motto of the Order is ‘He that does truth comes into the light’, and a member of the order is styled ‘The Honourable’.
The insignia of the Order of Merit is also a collar badge suspended from a deep-maroon silk riband. The sixarmed, white enamelled star with 12 points has superimposed on it a lesser similarly shaped star in silver. Between each of the outer six points of the star is the blue lignum vitae flower of Jamaica. In the centre is the coat of arms of Jamaica in gold on a contrasting silver background, surrounded by the motto of the Order in gold lettering on red enamel.
THE ORDER OF JAMAICA
The honour of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) may be conferred upon any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction or upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (honorary member). A member of the Order is styled ‘Honourable’ and the motto of the Order is ‘For a covenant of the People’.
THE INSIGNIA
The insignia of the Order of Jamaica is made in solid gold and consists of a white enamelled collar badge, the ends of which represent the ackee fruit and leaves, suspended from a deep-green, silk riband. The centre shows the coat of arms of Jamaica against a gold background, and this is surrounded by the gold-lettered motto of the order on green enamel.
THE ORDER OF DISTINCTION
The honour of the Order of Distinction 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
of the Order is ‘Distinction through Service’.
THE INSIGNIA
The insignia of the Order of Distinction (Commander) is a triangular badge with curved sides. In the centre is a black medallion bearing the coat of arms of Jamaica in gold. the words of the motto of the order are in black. The badge is suspended from a silk collar riband of black, gold and green by a silver finial of two intertwined letters ‘J’ attached to the uppermost point of the triangle.
The insignia of the Order of Distinction (Officer) is suspended from a breast riband of similar colours without the finial. The triangular silver badge has in the centre a yellow enamelled square on which are placed the coat of arms of Jamaica in silver.
THE BADGE OF HONOUR
The Badge of Honour may be awarded to civilian residents of Jamaica and to foreign nationals who are employed in Jamaica’s diplomatic and consular missions overseas in the following three categories. • Gallantry – awarded to persons who
have performed acts of gallantry or acts of heroism, or who have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger;
• Meritorious service – awarded to persons who have rendered loyal and meritorious service beneficial to Jamaica;
• Long and faithful service – awarded to persons who have rendered long and valuable service worthy of special recognition.
THE INSIGNIA
The Badge of Honour is made of silver and is circular in design bearing –
(a) on the obverse, the coat of arms of Jamaica, the word ‘Jamaica’ and lignum vitae leaves and flowers around the border;
(b) on the reverse, the words ‘For Gallantry’, ‘For Meritorious Service’ or ‘For Long and Faithful Service’, as the case may be, with the name of the recipient and the date of the award.
THE MEDAL OF HONOUR FOR GALLANTRY
The Medal of Honour for Gallantry may be awarded to officers and other members of the uniformed services who have performed acts of gallantry or acts of heroism or have shown great courage in circumstances of extreme danger.
THE MEDAL OF HONOUR FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE
The Medal of Honour for Meritorious Service may be awarded to officers and other members of the uniformed services who have performed distinguished service or have displayed distinguished conduct or bravery.
THE INSIGNIA
The circular Medal of Honour has a diameter of 3.5 centimetres, bearing –
(a) on the obverse the Coat of Arms and the word ‘Jamaica’.
(b) on the reverse the badge of the relevant uniformed service with the words ‘’or Gallantry’ or ‘’or Meritorious Service’ or as the case may be.
The Medal of Honour for Gallantry is of silver gilt. The medal of Honour for Meritorious Service is of silver gilt for officers, and silver for other ranks or members of the relevant service.