For their sterling contribution to national development, each year once the vacancy exists, the President who is also the Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana confers deserving citizens with National Awards. This year, on that list is a record breaking 49 women who are awarded for their excellent dedication towards the development of the nation in their respective fields.
President, David Granger, recently released the list of 96 awardees and leading that list is the Founder of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics –STEM Guyana, Ms. Karen Abrams, medical practitioner, Dr. Holly Patricia Alexander, veteran educator, Ms. Donna Ann Chapman and Optometrist, Ms. Michelle Ming all of whom will receive the Golden Arrow of Achievement. Also, veteran Presidential Photographer Sandra Prince is on this year’s list and would be receiving the Medal of Service. 
So let us take a look at some of the National Awards of Guyana and a brief history of the various insignia:
Order Excellence of Guyana
The Order of Excellence of Guyana (O.E.) is the highest national award of Guyana and was established in 1970 under the Constitution of the Orders of Guyana it is limited to twenty five living citizens of Guyana.
Order of Roraima of Guyana
The Order of Roraima of Guyana (O.R.) is the second highest National Award of Guyana, and is limited to only thirty five living Guyanese recipients. It was established in 1976 and is awarded to any citizen of Guyana who has given outstanding service to the nation. Citizen of foreign nations who are deemed eligible may be honoured as honorary members of the order.
The Cacique’s Crown of Honour
The Cacique’s Crown of Honour (C.C.H.) is the second highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana. It is limited to fifty citizens of Guyana. It may be awarded to any citizen of Guyana who has “rendered service of an exceptionally high quality beyond the normal call of duty in the public service, social and voluntary services, industry or trade unions, or in any other area of public service, or achieved excellence of national or international standing and recognition in the arts, professions, sciences or sport or in any other area of activity.”
The Golden Arrow of Achievement
The Golden Arrow of Achievement (A.A.) is the fourth highest award in the Order of Service of Guyana. It may be awarded also to “any citizen of Guyana who has performed an outstanding and specific act of service or achievement of an exceptional nature, or is given for long and dedicated service of a consistently high standard in responsible offices, local government services, social and voluntary services, industry or trade unions, or in any other area of public service.”
The Medal of Service
The Medal of Service (M.S.) is the fifth highest award of the Order of Service of Guyana. It is awarded for ten years of dedicated public service, local government service, service to industry, service to trade unions or other areas of service to the community.
Military Service Star
The Military Service Star (M.S.S.) is the highest award presented for military service to officers of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service. It may be awarded for exceptional service, above and beyond the call of duty or for gallantry in action.
Military Service Medal
The Military Service Medal (M.S.M.) is presented for military service to members of the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana People’s Militia and the Guyana National Service. It may be awarded for exceptional service, above and beyond the call of duty or for gallantry in action.
Disciplined Services Star for Distinguished Service
The Disciplined Services Star for Distinguished Service (D.S.S.) is the highest award presented to members of the Guyana Police Force, Prison Service, or Fire Brigade. It is awarded for distinguished service above and beyond the call of duty. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)
