In a historic ceremony at the Cathedral Church in Spanish Town, Governor General Sir Howard Cooke was formally invested with the Knighthood of the Order of St John. The special event, part of the annual St John Week celebrations, featured performances by uniformed bands and a musical tribute from the Cathedral Choir, adding to the ceremony’s significance and pageantry.

Published Monday, June 21, 1993

GG knighted with Order of St John

GOVERNOR GENERAL Sir Howard Cooke was yesterday 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 the 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, Mr Williams received 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, granting 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, the Island Special Constabulary Force, and the Fire Brigade performed at the function.
The Cathedral Church Choir rendered an item.
Sunday’s ceremony marked part of the St. John Week celebration, which started on Sunday and ends on June 26.

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