The British Virgin Islands celebrated His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday with a grand parade and medal ceremony, honouring public officers for their long service and good conduct.
The festivities commenced at the Sir Olva Georges Plaza in Road Town, Tortola, and concluded at the Queen Elizabeth II Park.
The parade featured participation from various law enforcement organizations, schools, civic and church groups, service organizations, and bands. Distinguished guests, including His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce, Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, other members of the House of Assembly, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr., and Commissioner of Police Mark Collins, were in attendance.
Superintendent Selwyn Rock, serving as Parade Commander, led the procession. Governor Pruce was received with a Royal Salute and he inspected the assembled organizations. Following the inspection, a March Past took place, after which Governor Pruce delivered remarks on behalf of His Majesty King Charles III.
Governor Pruce then presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to various public officers. The honourees included:
Overseas Territories Police Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 Years:
- Amadona Creese – Constable
- Sylvester Theophile – Constable
- Jumo Chortte – Chief Inspector
- Noel Besson – Constable
- Stanley Burton – Constable
- Collis Fraser – Inspector
- Florita Lake – Constable
Second Clasp to Overseas Territories Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 30 Years:
- Petranella Frett – Constable
- Amaro Potter – Retiree
- Selwyn Rock – Superintendent
- Claude Rymer – Sergeant
- Job Trumpet – Constable
- George James – Sergeant
- Elvis Richards – Inspector
- Cyril Tomas – Constable
First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 Years:
- Joanne George – Constable
- Glenn Callwood – Constable
- Douglas Blyden – Retiree
- Lola Stevens – Constable
- Israel Sergeant – Chief Inspector
Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 Years:
- Shawn Rymer – Fire Officer
- Mark Street – Lifeguard Supervisor
First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 Years:
- Aldith Penn – Sub-Officer
Second Clasp to Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 30 Years:
- David Ronan – Sub-Officer
Overseas Territories Prison Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 Years:
- Rohan Peters – Prison Officer II
- Theresa St. Rose – Prison Officer II
- Paula Watkins-Mills – Prison Officer II
First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Prison Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 Years:
- Rudolph Jackson – Prison Officer I
In addition to the long service medals, Governor Pruce presented Meritorious Service Awards to officers from the Immigration and Customs departments for their outstanding service. The recipients were:
Immigration Department:
- Bruno Brodie – Immigration Officer II
- AnnaMarie David – Immigration Officer II
- Clifford Frith – Immigration Officer II
- Sedrick Smith – Immigration Officer II
- Eric Creque – Immigration Officer II
- Stepphen Gilbert – Enforcement Officer
- Elizabeth Watkins – Administrative Officer
His Majesty’s Customs:
- Jennifer King – Senior Customs Officer
- Marilyn Fahie – Customs Officer II
- Annette Loutary-Moses – Senior Customs Officer III
- Everad Scatliffe – Customs Officer II
- Clyde Thomas – Customs Officer II
- Arlene Francis – Customs Officer II
- Carl Benjamin – Customs Officer III
- Trevor Potter – Customs Officer II
- Chantal Scatliffe – System Programmer II
- Doddridge Ephraim – Customs Officer II
The celebrations highlighted the community’s respect and appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the territory’s public officers.