Jamaica honors heroes, heroines

Jamaica this week honored some of its national icons, including globally known figures like Dancehall artists Bounty Killa, Beenie Man, and Admiral Bailey, at the annual Heroes Day celebrations in 2024, at which the government recognized more than 200 outstanding citizens for their contributions to various aspects of national life.

The three were awarded the Order of Distinction at the Rank of Officer to Rodney Pryce, who performs as Bounty Killa, Moses Davis as Beenie Man, and Glendon “Admiral” Bailey for their outstanding promotion of Jamaica music and culture globally. The three, along with veteran performer Nadine Sutherland, numbered 232 Jamaicans conferred various ranks of honor by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen at a glittering investiture ceremony in the city. Sutherland’s career dates back to the Bob Marley era in the 70s and 80s.

Also receiving a medal around his neck, not for being on the track this time, was 110-meter gold medal hurdler Hansle Parchment, who took home the coveted top prize at the Paris Olympics this summer and won a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Fitz Coleman, his longtime coach, was honored by his countrymen and women for his outstanding contribution to athletics. Coleman was also linked to Usain Bolt in the early stages of his career. Bolt is widely regarded as the best sprinter ever.

Meanwhile, Technical Director of the Jamaica Football Federation Wendell Downswell was among the honorees alongside Dr. Paul Wright, the island’s most prominent sports medicine professional.

On the political side, Sir Patrick hung medals around the neck of Security Minister Horace Chang and Tourism colleague Ed Bartlett for their decades of contribution to politics and public service. Bartlett has been widely recognized as the powerhouse behind Jamaica’s booming tourism sector and is regarded as probably its best industry minister in recent memory. On the order list were Ambassador to the US Audrey Marks and Donald Wehby, CEO of regional conglomerate Grace Kennedy, alongside dozens of security forces and prison service members.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness. Government of Jamaica

And in brief remarks at the ceremony, Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he was optimistic about the future

“Today, as we commemorate another heroes day, we stand on the shoulders of giants—our national heroes—whose sacrifices have paved the way for the progress we now celebrate as a nation. We stand on their shoulders to see the vision for our country. And from the ruins of history we will build a successful and prosperous country in fulfillment of the vision of our forefathers and our national heroes. Let us shape the future that our heroes envisioned—a future where every Jamaican can thrive. Let us keep building and transforming Jamaica, transformation in action,” he said.