Governor General Sir Patrick Allen (second left), presents the insignia of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) to Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz (second right), during the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House on National Heroes Day, Oct.19. Looking on is fellow OJ recipient businessman Christopher Zacca (right). Partially hidden (second left) is Duane Smith, who collected the OJ on behalf of his father, former Minister, Derrick Smith. (Donald Delahaye/JIS)

One hundred and forty Jamaicans received their insignia at the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards Ceremony at King’s House on Monday.

Among the awardees were former Bank of Jamaica governor, Richard Byles; Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz and former Minister of Education, Maxine Henry-Wilson.

They were among a group of six conferred with the country’s fifth highest national honour, the Order of Jamaica.

More than 20 individuals received the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander.

Among them is Nationwide’s very own, distinguished journalist, George Davis. Davis is the deputy executive producer at Nationwide News Network.

He was awarded for sterling contribution to the media industry for over 20 years.

Davis is one of western media’s most versatile broadcast journalists, with his range spanning news and current affairs, sports and entertainment.

Other recipients include executive director and chairman of Fontana Pharmacy, Kevin O’Brien Chang, and commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, Stewart Beckford.

For the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer, 41 individuals were conferred with the honour.

Thirty-three individuals received the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service and 30 received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.

Four people received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry.