The accomplishments of Jamaican stalwarts were celebrated yesterday at the National Civil Honours and Awards Celebratory Luncheon in the ballroom at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel.

The luncheon, hosted by the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Enhancement Fund, celebrated the achievements of four national awardees at yesterday’s national awards ceremony at National Indoor Sports Centre: Anup Chandiram Chatani, CEO of Bijoux, who received the Order of Distinction, Officer Class; Professor Andrew Spencer, president of Caribbean Maritime University, who was awarded the Order of Distinction, Commander Class; Audrey Marks, Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, who was awarded the Order of Jamaica; and Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, who was also awarded with the Order of Jamaica.

Marks said that her achievement was the product of a collective effort by those who have supported her journey.

“Being confirmed with the Order of Jamaica is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the collective efforts of so many who have inspired and supported me,” Marks said. “I’m very thankful to have been born in Jamaica, this beautiful country where gender, race, religion, nothing can really stop you if you have the passion and desire.”

The highlight of the function was a performance from renowned reggae artiste Leroy Sibbles, who invited legendary dancehall artiste and national awardee Moses “Beenie Man” Davis to join him for an impromptu set that energised the crowd. Davis was earlier conferred with the Order of Distinction Officer class.