Beenie Man Insists He Should Be Awarded The Order of Jamaica: “Mi Nuh Want No OD”

King of the Dancehall Beenie Man has insisted that the Government of Jamaica bestow upon him the Order of Jamaica (OJ), the nation’s fifth highest honor.

According to Beenie, he is not interested in the lower-level Order of Distinction (OD), which has been awarded to his Dancehall compatriots, such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Lt. Stitchie, Agent Sasco, Shabba Ranks and Yellowman, but wants the Order of Jamaica, which has been bestowed on the likes of sprint legend Usain Bolt, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, and the late Cuban president Fidel Castro.

“Babsy, when yuh ready fi gimme mine?  My awards mi a talk bout dis time,” Beenie asked of Entertainment and Culture Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who was present during his performance at the Reggae Month Salute to Dancehall concert on Friday night.

“Mi nuh want no OD.  A OJ yuh fi give mi.  Order of Jamaica, a me run di country.  King of di Dancehall..,” he chanted, before segueing into his hit song I’m OK on Seanizzle’s One Day Riddim, as the audience cheered.

If Beenie gets the Order of Jamaica, he will have to be addressed as “Honourable” in formal settings like Minister Grange, who received the award last year for her “sterling contribution to cultural development and political administration in Jamaica.”

The National Honours and Awards are set for National Heroes Day, which falls on October 16, and as is customary, the awardees will be announced on Independence Day, August 6.  This means Beenie has given a five-month notice for his selection to be ratified.

The honour of the Order of Jamaica (OJ) may be conferred upon any Jamaican citizen of outstanding distinction who, by their service and contribution, have had a meaningful and significant impact on national life, or upon any distinguished citizen of a country other than Jamaica (honorary member).

The Jamaican Honours and Awards System The National Honours and Awards Act was promulgated on the 18th of July 1969 to recognise merit in terms of achievement and service. Decorations and Awards recognise bravery, meritorious, long and/or valuable service, and/or good conduct.

Under the Act, the Governor-General is the Chancellor of The Order of National Hero, The Order of Excellence (OE), The Order of Merit (OM), The Order of Jamaica, The Order of Distinction, and the Chief Justice is the Chancellor of the Order of the Nation.

Badges of Honour are also issued annually for Gallantry, Meritorious Service, Badge of Honour for Long and Faithful Service, while Medals of Honour are given for Gallantry; Meritorious Service; Long & Faithful Service and Efficient Service.

Usain Bolt was conferred with the Order of Jamaica by the Bruce Golding-led Government of Jamaica in 2009, for his outstanding achievements in the field of Sports.  The Clockwork producer was awarded his first national title, the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander, in 2008. 

Aside from Usain Bolt and Minister Grange, Beenie, if considered for the OJ, will be joining the likes of the late Harry Belafonte, Cuban President Fidel Castro,  journalist and playwright Barbara Gloudon, banker Michael Anthony Lee Chin and the late Robert Gabriel Mugabe President of the Republic of Zimbabwe as recipients.

He will also be in company with former President of the Court of Appeal Seymour Panton, the late General Colin Luther Powell Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the United States Department of Defence and Former Secretary of State, the late hotelier Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Reverend Desmond Tutu, cricketing legend Courtney Walsh and Dr Arthur Stanley Wint, Jamaica’s first Olympic Gold Medalist.

Last year, Dancehall superstar Agent Sasco was among 142 Jamaicans who were bestowed with National Honours.  Sasco, whose given name is Jeffrey Campbell, was inducted into the Order of Distinction in the rank of officer for his “outstanding contribution to music, philanthropy and positive pro-social message to youths”.

In 2021, Dancehall veteran Lieutenant Stitchie was among four members of Jamaica’s music industry bestowed with national honours.  Stitchie was presented with the Order of Distinction for his “contribution to Reggae and Dancehall Music, Locally and Internationally.”

In addition to Stitchie, Aston “Family man” Barrett, the leader of the Wailers, Bob Marley’s backing band, was awarded for his  “contribution to the development of Reggae Music both Locally and Internationally”. 

Donald Orlando ‘Tabby” Shaw, Fitzroy “Bunny” Simpson of the Mighty Diamonds, which gave the world songs such as Pass the Kutchie, Right Time, Master Plan and Tamarind Farm were also awarded.