Governor Presents Awards At Queen's Birthday Parade
Former Attorney General and prominent BVI Attorney Ms. Dancia Penn Q.C has been made an officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Birthday Honours published Saturday 17th June in London. It was officially announced during the Queen's Birthday Parade at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Ground. Participating in the parade were members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and Band, the Prison Service, the Fire Department, the Red Cross, Girls Brigade, Rangers, Boy Scouts, youth organizations and schools.
"It gives me great pleasure today to announce the honour which Her Majesty the Queen has been gracious to bestow on one of BVI's most prominent citizens in the Birthday Honours," said His Excellency Governor Frank Savage. He extended congratulations to Ms. Penn on her honour. He also announced Colonial Police Long Service awards for 18 years service to Inspector/Staff Officer Kendrickson Shepherd, Acting Sergeant Melbourne Stoutt and Action Station Sergeants Kenrick Headley and Frank Devonish. A Second Clasp to Police Long Service Medal for 30 years of service was presented to Sergeant Thomas Winchester.
In his remarks at the parade, Governor Savage indicated that he had sent good wishes and birthday greetings to Her Majesty the Queen earlier in the week and that she had acknowledged the greetings and extended thanks to and warm good wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the government and people of the British Virgin Islands. He noted that this year is a special one for the Royal Family, as in early August, God's willing, The Queen Mother will celebrate her 100th birthday. "In the BVI, we expect to celebrate her centenary with a photographic edition depicting her life and a reception at Government House, to which all persons in the BVI with a Queen's Honour will be invited. This month will also mark the coming of age of His Royal Highness Prince William. The BVI will celebrate the occasion with a commemorative set of stamps. "Earlier in the year, we were honoured with a visit from HRH the Duke of York and all concerned with the visit deemed it to have been a resounding success. I hope that we will be successful in attracting other Royal visitors to the BVI in the future," the Governor remarked.
His Excellency used the opportunity to thank all the dedicated teachers and volunteers who work with the young people in the territory. He noted the current public debate on the problem of violence in the community and suggested that one way forward and a sure way to reverse the depressing trend, would be for every able-bodied adult, but particularly the younger men, to come forward and volunteer one or two hours of their time each week to assist with out-of-school activities for students. "There is a real need for sporting activities and community-based projects to occupy the free time of our most precious assets, the teenagers of the territory."