Sir Howard Cooke was knighted by a fellow Knight at a special ceremony at The Cathedral Church in Spanish Town. Chairman of St John Council for Jamaica, Rupert Williams, was permitted to conduct the ceremony even though he is not a former governor general.

Published Monday, June 21, 1993

GG Knighted with Order of St John

GOVERNOR GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke was on Sunday invested with the Knighthood of the Order of St John at the annual Commemoration Service of the Order at The Cathedral Church in Spanish Town.

 This investiture means that Sir Howard has been recognised by the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem of which Her Majesty the Queen is the sovereign head.

Chairman of St John Council for Jamaica, Rupert Williams, who is also the Commander of the St John Ambulance, performed the ceremony. It is the first time that a knighthood has been bestowed in Jamaica by a person other than a former governor-general.

Having received a knighthood himself 14 years ago, Williams got a letter from His Royal Highness, the Duke of Gloucester, the Grand Prior of the Order of St John, who administers all the work of St John, giving special dispensation to conduct the ceremony.

 Sir Howard will wear the medal on ceremonial occasions in his capacity as governor general.

 Bands from the Jamaica Defence Force, the Jamaica Constabulary, Island Special Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade performed at the function. The Cathedral Church Choir also rendered an item.

Sunday’s ceremony marked part of St John's Week celebration, which started on Sunday and ends on June 26.

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