Following calls that the criterion for the selection of candidates for National Honours and Awards be reviewed, Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Wednesday (September 29) announced the government’s decision to initiate a formal review of the process.

In a release from the Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday, it was articulated that a broad-based review committee with responsibility for recommending changes would soon be announced.

The review committee is expected to comprise various stakeholders including representatives from the State, Government, Opposition, and Civil Society.

Holness has written to Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen to advise him of the appointment of the review committee.

Once formulated the committee will undertake the following:

• An examination of the existing process for the selection of candidates to be recommended for appointment to the National Orders, and to advise on action to be taken to strengthen same
• The establishment of such criteria that would guide, justifiable, merit-based selection, including the number of candidates to be awarded in each category
• Provide recommendation of systems of deeper due diligence and more robust vetting of shortlisted candidates
• The establishment of criteria that would prohibit the consideration for selection of any nominated candidate
• Provide recommendation of a methodology to foster and promote public awareness regarding the established and acceptable criteria to submit nominations for appointment to the National Orders

The committee’s review will take place over a period of eight months following which it will report its findings to the Cabinet.

History of National Honours and Awards

The National Honours and Awards Act was promulgated on the 18th of July 1969, and its pertinent amendments, established the system of National Honours and Awards, governing the six Orders of the Societies of Honour, and the Badges of Honour, and the Medals of Honour.

The system provides for the nomination of persons for appointment to the respective Orders, and their selection should ultimately represent the nation’s recognition of those who, by their service and contribution, have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life.

Periodic reviews of the process are therefore important to ensure the efficacy of the overall system of National Honours and Awards, and to make recommendations for policy or procedural changes to align our National Honours and Awards with Jamaica’s development goals, current realities, and spirit of the NHA.