This was announced by His Excellency Governor Frank Savage during his address at the Queen’s Birthday Parade at the A.O. Shirley Recreation Grounds on Monday June 3rd. He said the BVI Honours Committee made the nominations to him and the decision was made after consultation with the Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition.

Mr. J.R. O’Neal has a long and distinguished record as a businessman, member of government, conservationist and a pioneer in the establishment of national parks in the territory.

Mrs. Penn-Moll taught at schools in the territory and was for many years librarian at the Public Library. She has also been very active in the field of literacy promotion and preservation and is a writer and documentalist.
Mr. Pickering, a successful businessman, has given long and distinguished service to the community, including service as a member of the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

Mr. Herbert is also an active member of the community who owns and operates various business enterprises including ZBVI radio. He has given long service to the community including his membership on the Committee on the Prerogative of Mercy.

The Badges of Honour will be presented to the recipients at an investiture at Government House later in the year.

Also at the parade this year, Governor Savage awarded long service medals to eight police officers each with over 18 years dedicated service. 
They are Sergeants Randolph Westcott, Roger Williams and Arnold Collins and Inspectors Leslie Spencer and Leonard Fahie for 18 years. Chief Inspector Julien Donovan was awarded for 25 years of service and Chief Inspector Phillip Glasgow for 30 years.

Constable Aubrey Liburd was also named for his 18 years of service, but he was unavailable to receive his award at the time. In addition, Commissioner Vernon Malone, who recently announced his retirement, received commendations for his over 33 years of dedicated service to the community.

The Governor is also expected to shortly announce the names of the recipients of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal, which is to be awarded to members of the emergency services, including but not restricted to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force and the BVI Fire and Rescue Service.
The 2002 Queen’s Birthday Parade was said to be the largest in the territory’s history, with over 500 participants from over 20 different organizations. They joined nearly a quarter of the world’s population within the Commonwealth’s 54 countries to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Her Other Realms and Territories.

In the BVI, the celebrations started with a reception at Government House on June 1st and an ecumenical service at Road Town Methodist Church June 2nd. In addition to the parade on Monday, there were bonfires and fireworks.

The BVI Governor said he was pleased with the participation of so many youth organizations and a greater number of school children in the parade this year. He announced the winner for the best standard of participation and that went to the Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinders, who won $500 for books or equipment. The second prize of $300 went to the Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme. The third prize of $200 will be announced next week.

“This is my ninth and final Queen’s Birthday Parade or Royal Parade, firstly in Montserrat and now in the British Virgin Islands,” His Excellency said. “It is also probably the final public appearance in Tortola of the Governor’s ceremonial uniform, for with my departure, the uniform will be donated to the BVI museum.”

He said he hopes the tradition of the Queen’s Birthday parade will endure and continue to grow in order to give the community an occasion to come together to pay tribute not only to the Queen, but also to thank all those on parade for what they do throughout the year.