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Order of Jamaica facts for kids

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Order of Jamaica
Order of Jamaica.jpg
Type Single grade Order
Eligibility Jamaicans; also, foreigners may be given honorary membership
Awarded for Outstanding distinction
Motto "For a covenant of the people"
Post-nominals OJ
Statistics
Established 1969
Precedence
Next (higher) Order of Merit
Next (lower) Order of Distinction
Neck Ribbon bar of the Order of Jamaica.svg
Neck ribbon of the order
Ribbon bar of the Order of Jamaica.svg
Ribbon of the order

The Order of Jamaica is a very special award in Jamaica. It is one of the highest honours a person can receive in the country. This award was created in 1969. It is similar to being given a knighthood in countries like the United Kingdom.

What is the Order of Jamaica?

The Order of Jamaica is the fifth most important award in Jamaica's system of honours. This system has six different orders, which are like levels of recognition. Being given the Order of Jamaica means someone has done something truly outstanding for their country.

Who Can Receive This Award?

The Order of Jamaica is given to people who show great distinction. Most of the time, it is given to Jamaican citizens. These are people who have made a big difference in Jamaica.

Sometimes, people from other countries can also receive this award. They are called "Honorary Members." This happens when a non-Jamaican citizen has done something very important or special for Jamaica.

What Do Members Get?

When someone becomes a member of the Order of Jamaica, they get a few special things:

  • They can wear the special insignia of the Order. This is a decoration that shows they have received the award.
  • They can use the title "The Honourable" before their name. This is a way to show respect for their achievements.
  • They can use special letters after their name. Members use "OJ" and Honorary Members use "OJ (Hon.)". These letters stand for "Order of Jamaica."

The Motto

Every special order or group often has a motto. The motto for the Order of Jamaica is: "For a covenant of the people." A covenant is like a promise or an agreement. This motto means the award is about a promise to the people of Jamaica.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Orden de Jamaica para niños

  • List of recipients of the Order of Jamaica
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