News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Tues. Oct. 17, 2017: An internationally recognized Jamaican-born actor and a top reggae musician were among total of 200 Jamaicans from across the nation of Jamaica and the Diaspora who were conferred with National Heroes honors on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Jamaican actor and director, Carl Bradshaw, who has starred in movies like ‘The Harder They Come,’ ‘Smile Orange,’ ‘Dancehall Queen’ and ‘The Lunatic,’ was presented with the Order of Distinction (OD) for his contribution to the film industry.
Legendary reggae singer Neville “Bunny Wailer” Livingston, an original member of reggae group The Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, received only the Order of Merit, (OM), for his contribution to music. A three-time Grammy award winner, he is considered one of the longtime standard-bearers of reggae music.
A total of 200 Jamaicans from the Diaspora and locally were recognized at the National Heroes Day honors, on the lawns of King’s House in Kingston, Jamaica.
Thirty-three persons were conferred with the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Commander (CD); 46 with the Order of Distinction, in the rank of Officer (OD) while two civilians received the Badge of Honour for Gallantry; 16 were conferred with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service and 37 received the Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service.
Others honored included:
Footballer Theodore “Tappa” Whitmore, who was presented with the OD for his contribution to football as a player and coach;
Paul Pennicook, who also received the OD, for outstanding contribution to the Tourism Industry;
Copeland Forbes, who received an OD for outstanding contribution to the development of Jamaican Music;
Senator Donald George Wehby who was honoured for sterling contribution to the public and private sector;
Dr Marcia Forbes, who received the CD, for sterling contribution to Multimedia Television Production, Public Service and Volunteerism;
Track and Field Coach Stephen Francis who received the OD for outstanding contribution to sports;
and Robert ‘Bobby’ Clarke, CEO of Irie Jam Radio in NYC, who also received an OD.
