Richard Byles Celebrates Order of Jamaica Honour with Family and Friends

Oct 25, 2026 · Daniel Wheeler Reporter wheelerd@jamaicaobserver.com

Originally published by Jamaica Observer Read the original

Richard Byles Celebrates Order of Jamaica Honour with Family and Friends

Family, friends and colleagues convened at the Terra Nova All-Suite Hotel on Monday, October 19, for a cocktail reception in honour of former Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles, who was conferred with the Order of Jamaica at the 2026 Ceremony of Investiture and Presentation of National Honours and Awards at King’s House earlier that morning. Among those celebrating the occasion were Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Member of Parliament for St James West Central Marlene Malahoo Forte, Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang, members of the leadership team at the Bank of Jamaica, and present and former colleagues from Sagicor Group Jamaica. The evening brought together people from different chapters of Byles’ distinguished career, along with family and long-time friends, to celebrate his stellar contribution to Jamaica. Guests enjoyed an elegant reception featuring tropical-inspired décor created by event stylist Jackie Tyson and a selection of culinary offerings prepared by the Terra Nova team. (Photos: Jermaine Duncan)

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (right) extended a warm greeting to Richard Byles ahead of the reception. (Photo: JD)

Extending his best wishes to national honoree Richard Byles (left) was Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding. (Photo: JD)

On hand to celebrate with national honoree Richard Byles (right) were Sports Development Foundation board member Mike Fennell and his wife Peggy. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Offering their congratulations to honoree Richard Byles (centre) were retired businessman Joseph A Matalon and his ceramicist wife Bernadette. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Pan Jamaica Group Chief Operating Officer Philip Armstrong (left) and his partner, attorney-at-law Tobi Chang, joined national honoree Richard Byles for a photo. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

All smiles as national honoree Richard Byles (left) caught up with long-time friend and former National Works Agency CEO Everton G Hunter. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Out in support of national honoree Richard Byles (centre) were National Baking Company Chairman Gary Hendrickson and his wife Heidi. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Former Sagicor Life Jamaica presidents Richard Byles (left) and Richard Powell connected at the evening’s celebration. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

On hand to salute national honoree Richard Byles (left) were (from second left) Owen Karl Melhado, his daughter Tracy Matalon, and her husband Joe Matalon. (Photo: JD)

National honoree Richard Byles (centre) introduced his son Yannick (right) to Prime Minister Andrew Holness during the evening’s reception. (Photo: JD)

Taking to the podium, Prime Minister Andrew Holness lauded the contributions of national honoree Richard Byles. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Attorney-at-law and Sagicor Life board member Janice Grant Taffe delivered remarks. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Bank of Jamaica Deputy Governor Natalie Haynes reflected on former Governor Byles’ years of inspired leadership. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)

Member of Parliament for St James West Central Marlene Malahoo Forte (left) joined national honoree Richard Byles and his wife Jacinth in a toast. (Photo: Jermaine Duncan)