History

This Order is conferred upon Jamaican citizens and foreigners in recognition of international significance in the arts, science, literature or other fields.

There can only be 15 living recipients of this award at one time, and there can only be 2 recipients per year.

The previous function of this Order was to honour foreign Heads of State or foreign Heads of Government. The Order of Excellence replaced this and the Order of Merit's award criteria were revised.

There is limited information regarding this item.