Washington, D.C. - Jamaica’s third highest national honor, the Order of Merit was on Friday conferred on Jamaican Economist Professor Donald J. Harris, at a ceremony at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington DC.
The recipients of National Honours pose for a photograph with Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Her Excellency Audrey Marks (second from left) following the ceremony held at the Jamaican Embassy in Washington. At far left is GG Diaspora awardee Dr. Trudy Hall; Ambassador Marks, Professor Donald J. Harris (Order of Merit recipient); Mr. Michael London (Order of Distinction for his work in the creative industries); Security Attaché Superintendent Gloria Davis-Simpson ( BH{M}) for contribution to the Jamaica constabulary; and Ms. Cassandra Campbell Governor General’s Jamaica Diaspora Achievement Awardee For her contribution to small business development. (Photo courtesy of Derrick Scott)Professor Harris joined five other Jamaicans living in the United States who received national awards and two persons who received the Governor General’s Jamaica Diaspora Achievement Award.
The awards were conferred as a part of Jamaica’s Annual National Honours and Awards normally held in October, and were presented by Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States , Her Excellency Audrey Marks on behalf of the Governor General Sir Patrick Allen.
Professor Donald Harris was conferred with the Order of Merit for his contribution to National Development.
One of Jamaica’s finest athletes Jacqueline Fedalis Pusey was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class for her contribution to sports and in particular, the Jamaica Athletic Program.
Jamaica’s Honorary Consul to Chicago, Mr. Lloyd Hyde was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Officer Class, for his contribution to the Jamaican Diaspora in Illinois and adjoining mid-western states of the United States.
Well known film producer Michael London was conferred with the Order of Distinction, Officer Class for his work in the creative industries, advertising, film and music video production.
Security Attaché at the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington, Superintendent Gloria Davis-Simpson was conferred with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for her contribution to the Jamaica Constabulary Force.
Mrs. Debora Pixley-Clarke was conferred with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for her contribution to the Jamaica Defense Force.
The Governor General’s Jamaica Diaspora Achievement Award was presented to Dr. Trudy Hall of Maryland for her contribution to medicine and Ms. Cassandra Campbell for her contribution to small business development.
In conferring the awards, Ambassador Marks congratulated all the recipients and noted that they all were “representative of the greatness that lies in the Jamaican Diaspora.”
The Ambassador pointed out that “It is indeed an indisputable fact that Jamaicans in the United States have been doing exceptionally well. As Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States of America, I am proud of your accomplishments and honored to be representing this “dot” on the map whose contributions to the world continue to outweigh our tiny size.
Let me take this opportunity to offer my heartiest congratulations and appreciation to the honorees for their sterling service to Jamaica and unbroken commitment to their various fields of expertise.”
In responding on behalf of the awardees, Professor Harris thanked the Government of Jamaica and expressed “our deep appreciation and gratitude for the honor you have conferred upon us in recognition of our contribution to the land of our birth and the land we love.
“It is indeed a great honor, and we feel duly honored and blessed for it. We shall wear this badge/insignia with the pride and dignity that it deserves. I can say for all of us awardees that the work we did was done out of a sense of love for the country and a strong sense of duty to give back to the country that brought us up.”
