The Order of Merit is part of the Jamaican honours system, and it is the fourth-highest honour awarded by the nation of Jamaica.

The Order of Merit is conferred upon Jamaicans or distinguished citizens of other countries who have achieved international distinction in the field of science, the arts, literature or any other endeavour.

[1] The award can be held by no more than 15 living persons.

[1] Members and Honorary Members of the order are entitled to wear the insignia of the order as a decoration and to be styled "The Honourable".

The Order of Merit was originally one that was awarded to foreign heads of state, but this function was taken over by the Order of Excellence in 2003.