THREE PERSONS received the Order of Jamaica in the National Honours and Awards ceremony at King's House yesterday. The honours were announced by special appointment in March.

The OJ, Jamaica's fourth-highest honour, was conferred on former Minister of Education Burchell Whiteman, Solicitor General, Michael Hylton, Q.C., and businessman William 'Billy' McConnell.

Mr. Whiteman, a stalwart in the administration of former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson, was cited for his contribution to education. Mr. Hylton was recognised for decades of work in the legal profession. Mr. McConnell, managing director at the Lascelles Group of Companies, was rewarded for his contribution to the business and export sectors.

A total of 17 persons received awards from Governor-General Professor Kenneth Hall. Doreen Frankson-Lewis, Audrey Hinchcliffe, Wayne Reid, Earl Samuels and Karen Smith, were among those receiving the Order of Distinction, the country's fifth-highest honour.

Ms. Frankson-Lewis, Ms. Hinchcliffe, Mr. Reid and Mr. Samuels' ODs were in the Rank of Commander, while Smith's came in the rank of Officer.

RECOGNITION

Ms. Frankson-Lewis was recognised for her contribution to the manufacturing sector, while Ms. Hinchcliffe was acknowledged for her entrepreneurial enterprise and leadership in employer-employee relationships. Mr. Reid was rewarded for his service to the field of engineering and public sector management, while Mr. Samuels was recognised for his contribution to housing and institutional management. One of Jamaica's most popular cabaret performers, Ms. Smith's award was bestowed for 'memorable performances as a singer'.

Other awardees: Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD). Order of Distinction (CD) ­ Monica Anita Campbell-McFarlane, for contribution to the communications industry locally and regionally and to the performing arts; and Dr. Herbert John Thompson, for contribution to national development through education, religion and national service.

Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer: Mavis Bernice Bowers, for services to the prime minister in his role as Member of Parliament; Debra Elaine Hamilton Crooks, for service as head of the Prime Minister's personal support staff; Gene Hendricks Pearson, for distinguished performance in the arts.

Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service to Lorna Graham, for loyal service in the constituency office, and Shirley Lee Pryce, for services to the Prime Minister's household and to the Jamaica Household Workers' Association.

Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service has been conferred on Phillip Anthony Dixon, for service to the Prime Minister and to Jamaica House personnel, and Jannette Marcia Morgan, for service at Vale Royal.