The University of the West Indies, Mona extends warmest congratulations to our Principal, Professor the Hon. Gordon Shirley, who has been appointed a member of the Order of Jamaica for excellence in academic and public service.

Congratulations are also extended to two other members of the University community who have received awards: renowned poet and professor emeritus Mervyn Morris, who has been conferred with the nation’s third highest honour, the Order of Merit, for his distinguished contribution in the field of West Indian Literature and retired professor John Homi,who has been named to the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander (Honorary) for his contribution to the development of Anaesthesia Services and training in the Caribbean.

The honours were announced on Thursday, August 6, 2009, as part of the celebrations marking Jamaica’s 47th year of independence.  The appointments take effect on August 6 but will be made at the annual civic ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day in October.

The Order of Jamaica is the country’s fourth highest honour, the others being the Order of National Hero, the Order of the Nation and the Order of Merit. It was established in 1969, by an Act of Parliament – the National Honours and Awards Act - to enable the country to recognize those who by their service and contribution have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life. The honour of the Order is conferred on any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction and there is also honorary membership for any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica. Members are entitled to wear the Insignia of the Order as a decoration, to be styled ‘Honourable’ and to use the letters ‘OJ’ after their names.

The Order of Merit (OM) is the nation’s third highest honour and is conferred upon any citizen of Jamaica who has achieved eminent international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavour. Members are entitled to wear the Insignia of the Order, as a decoration, to be styled, Honourable’ and to use the post nominal letters ‘OM’.

The Order of Distinction is the fifth in order of precedence of the Orders of Societies of Honour. The Order has two ranks: the higher class – Commander and the lower class - Officer.

The Honour of the Order of Distinction is conferred upon Members – Citizens of Jamaica who rendered outstanding and important service to Jamaica- and Honorary Members – Distinguished citizens of a country other than Jamaica.

Commanders of the Order of Distinction are entitled to use the post nominal letters ‘CD’ in the case of Members and ‘CD (Hon.)’ in the case of Honorary Members.
The entire University community is proud that Jamaica has acknowledged the outstanding and dedicated service of our colleagues. Through their efforts, The UWI, Mona continues its mission of serving the people of Jamaica and propelling the economic, social, political and cultural development of the society.