History

The Order of Merit is awarded to citizens of the Bahamas for meritorious service. The medal is presented by the Bahamian Government on behalf of the Queen, who acts as the Order's Sovereign, and the Governor General, who acts as the Chancellor of the Order.

The ribbon consists of equal sized black, yellow, and blue stripes. The obverse inscription reads "THE BAHAMAS ORDER OF MERIT"; the reverse inscription reads "RISING ABOVE THE CLOUDS".

The official motto of the Order of Merit is "Rising Above the Clouds."