By Trudy Simpson, Staff ReporterTHE LAWNS of Kings House in Kingston came alive Wednesday, as scores of political colleagues, family and friends of Jamaica's current and former Prime Ministers turned out to see them being conferred with the nation's second highest national honour, the Order of the Nation.
The brief investiture ceremony, which began promptly at 10:00 a.m., recorded for posterity the contributions made by incumbent Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson, Opposition Leader Edward Seaga and former Prime Ministers, Hugh Shearer, the late Michael Manley and the late Sir Donald Sangster.
Two of the five were on hand to collect their honours, which were made official on August 6, 2002, Independence Day, and will see the awardees and their wives being addressed as the Most Honourable.
Mr. Patterson and Mr. Seaga both accepted the honour, they said, with humility.
Mr. Seaga brought smiles to some lips as he quipped: "It puts a special burden upon those who receive it to live up to the title of Most Honourable. We hope that the day will not come when there will be a dishonourable Prime Minister in which case you would have the Most Honourable Dishonour-able Prime Minister so it places a special burden upon the bearers to be honourable."
Prime Minister P.J. Patterson said the awarding of the Order of the Nation to him was a result of the privilege given to him to serve the people of Jamaica and because of the "confidence that they have placed in me and the mandate they have entrusted to me."
He said that his tenure has not been devoid of problems, but that "there are very few people who could understand how unique is the loneliness of the Prime Minister, from time to time, when agonising decisions are required, which only he can make."
Mr. Patterson added, "I think that it is most appropriate that after 40 years of Independence, all those who have served in this position have been acknowledged...We all have seen contributions made to the growth and development of our country."
Michael Manley was represented by his widow, Glynne Manley, who came with Mr. Manley's brother, Douglas, his daughters, grandchildren and a son-in-law. Sir Donald Sangster's honour was collected by Bindley Sangster, adopted son of Ferdinand Sangster, Sir Donald's cousin.
Glynne Manley said it was a wonderful honour that the nation was bestowing on Prime Ministers. "As the Governor-General says, it's an extremely difficult job, often not recognised, so this is one way of the nation saying well done because each of them, whether it's their (political) party or not, they have done their very best for the nation. My heart is full," she said.
Mr. Manley's award will eventually take a place of honour when the proposed Manley Centre is completed, she said. The centre is expected to house and showcase memorabilia from the lives of Norman Washington Manley, Edna Manley and Michael Manley.
Sir Donald Sangster's honour will be photographed and shared with other relatives who are overseas and who missed the ceremony.
Hugh Lawson Shearer, who was absent from the King's House ceremony, later received his honour in a private ceremony at his home yesterday afternoon.
Governor-General, Sir Howard Cooke, also added his commendations, stating that "we have come here to honour persons, who, each in his own way, has tried to make us understand our societal responsibility, anxious to preserve its environment - each urging self-pride, anxious that Jamaica should socially be a community where the best would want to live."
He said that the five leaders have left a legacy on which Jamaica could build a society ready for the global marketplace.
"Our creative energy will always produce diversity, but it is the unity in diversity that will build a solid foundation of the future. We have the human resources, strong and resilient. All we need now is unity in vision and the commitment to a course where we will dream together, walk together and achieve the most," Sir Howard said.
