Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

Twelve musicians and entertainers were given national honours yesterday, a day set aside for heroes, for their contribution to entertainment.

They were honoured with the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) and the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Officer (OD) at the Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards, held at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

The 12 were recognised for their outstanding work and for their contribution to music locally and internationally.

Those honoured with the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Commander (CD) included Orville Richard 'Shaggy' Burrell, who was honoured for his contribution to the music industry and Clement Seymour 'Sir Coxone' Dodd, who was honoured posthumously for his service to the Jamaican music industry. The award was collected by his wife.

Byron lee ill

Byron Aloysius St. Elmo Lee, who was unable to attend the ceremony because of illness, was also honoured for his contribution in the fields of Music and Entertainment. That award was collected by his son.

Clarence Linberg 'Count Prince' Miller, received the OD for contribution to Music and to the international entertainment industry for over 50 years, while Norman Frederick Rae, accepted his award for contribution to the development of Jamaican theatre and for public service. Arthur Stanley 'Duke' Reid also received a post-humous award for service to the Jamaican music industry.

Shaggy spoke to The STAR following the awards.

"Me is a man wey nuh normally get nervous pon nutt'n, but mi get nervous dis morning. An jus fi get recognise fi what yuh do ... is probably one of the best awards mi get wey mi feel good. An fi si sey me, at such a young age can deh inna di same company a like Burning Spears, weh mi feel fi him, it did long overdue, and Sir Coxone Dodd was also honoured and man like Luciano, it was a great feeling," Shaggy said.

"Mi jus deh yah a gwaan drink up some juice an celebrate wid mi fren dem."

Those honoured with the Order Of Distinction in the rank of Officer were Ewart 'U-Roy' Beckford, for contribution to the development of Jamaican Music for over 40 years; Dr. Carlene Dorothea Davis-Cowan, who was honoured for contribution to music and community development; Jepther 'Luciano' Washington McLymont, for contribution to reggae music, Theodore Miller, for contribution to Jamaican music, Johnny Arlington Moore, for pioneering work in popularising Jamaican music and Winston 'Burning Spear' Rodney, for contribution to the development of Jamaican music and culture.

When contacted, Dr. Carlene Davis said, "As a family, we just finished praying and we're giving thanks because it's really a humbling feeling. It's based on a work of distinction and coming from the head of the country, it speaks volumes to the work that I have done."