Songwriter tops list of national honourees
Published:Monday | August 6, 2018 | 12:00 AM
Philanthropist and inter-national superstar Harold George Bellanfanti Jr, better known as Harry Belafonte, will add membership in the Order of Merit to his list of prestigious awards as the sole new entrant at this year's National Honours and Awards ceremony in October.
Bellanfanti Jr will be honoured for his outstanding contribution in the field of music.
Although he was born in Harlem, New York, the songwriter and social activist spent part of his childhood in St Ann and has helped to position Brand Jamaica on the world stage. He has given Caribbean music an international profile and has contributed to Jamaica's folk culture through songs like Jamaica Farewell and the Banana Boat Song (Day-O).
Bellanfanti Jr will be among 130 individuals who will receive national honours and awards at King's House on National Heroes Day, October 15.
Tourism stalwart Godfrey Dyer will receive membership in the Order of Jamaica. So, too, will Earl Jarrett for exceptional contribution to the banking and financial sector, public service, and volunteerism; Grace Jones for her contribution in entertainment, internationally; and Giuseppe Maffessanti for his contribution to the construction industry, social development and welfare, and philanthropy.
Olympian Alia Atkinson, trade unionist Senator Kavan Gayle, Montego Bay Mayor Homer Davis, communications expert Jean Lowrie-Chin, and United States Congresswoman Yvette Clarke will be among those who will join the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Commander.
Those who will join the Order of Distinction in the Rank of Officer include Barbara Blake-Hannah, Winston 'Yellowman' Foster, Dermot Hussey, Joan Andrea Hutchinson, Peter Jervis, Grace McLean, Raymond Spencer, and The Reverend Rennard White.