Second Knighthood For Jamaica Governor General

KINGSTON, Jamaica CMC – Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, has been invested as Knight of Grace of the Order of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem.

This is the second knighthood for the Governor-General, who received the Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George from Queen Elizabeth in 2009, when he came to office.

Lord Prior of the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, Professor Anthony Mellows, representing the Queen, presided over the investiture ceremony on Monday.

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller was also present at the ceremony.

The Order of St. John is an Order of Chivalry of the British Crown, which is bestowed on persons, who have made outstanding contributions to the work of the Order. Sir Patrick serves as Patron of the National Council of the St. John Association in Jamaica.

The Governor-General said that the Order has been a source of inspiration to all who are called to service and is a constant reminder to look beyond each other’s circumstances.

“The selfless dedication, which is the hallmark of staff and volunteers all across the globe, the Order’s contribution to humanity, and the respect with which it is held internationally, makes this investiture all the more meaningful to me,” he added.

The Order of St. John is a major international charity primarily led by volunteers. Members provide first aid, health care and support services in some 42 countries around the world.