Limelight placed on honourees
Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart presented insignia of National Honours and Awards and the Barbados Jubilee Honour 2016 to 71 persons at Government House yesterday.
The investiture being performed by the Prime Minister was a break with tradition, as the task is usually performed by Governor General His Excellency Sir Elliott Belgrave, but it was announced just moments before the start of the event that he was unable to be in attendance. Stepping in the role, Prime Minister Stuart, throughout the course of the three-hour event, presented the 21 National Honours and Awards, and 50 Barbados Jubilee Honours to the deserving recipients. The event was punctuated by performances from the two-man act of Chrispen Hackett and Simon Alleyne as ‘Rum and Koke’; the melodious voice of Keann Browne; a reading of a spirited piece penned by the late Jeanette Layne-Clarke by Alison Sealy-Smith and a flawless performance from the band of the Royal Barbados Police Force.
The recipients, drawn from several professional fields and areas of the island’s development, were recognised during last November’s Independence anniversary, for the contributions they have made to this country. Heading the list of honourees were well-known businessman and publisher of The Barbados Advocate, Anthony Bryan and renowned physician, Dr. Henrick Ellis, on whom the PM Stuart pinned the insignia of the Companion of Honour, the country’s second highest award. Bryan was recognised for this outstanding contribution to publishing, broadcasting and business, while Dr. Ellis was recognised for his outstanding contribution to the development of Barbados in the area of Public Health, specifically the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Receiving the Gold Crown of Merit were Martin Cox and Mr. Frederick Forde, both for their contribution to the Public Service; Mrs. Juliette Gooding-Michelin for her contribution to the promotion of Barbados in the diaspora and her humanitarian efforts, as well as Professor Anne St. John for their contribution to paediatric medicine in Barbados. Meanwhile, Receiving the Silver Crown of Merit were Ainsley Allder for his contribution to showcasing Barbados, its music, culture and talent in the diaspora; Trevor Atherley for highly meritorious service and achievement in the field of medicine; Bjorn Bjerkhamn for his contribution to the construction industry and Ulric Sealy for his contribution to the trade union movement.
Meanwhile, the Barbados Service Star Award was presented to Mr. Adrian Agard, Mr. Jeremy Collymore, Ms. Dianna Greenidge, Mr. Victor Hutchinson and Ms. Deiann Sobers. Ms. Yvonne Bradshaw, Mr. Peter Edey, Mrs. Ernetha Phillips, Mr. Bernard Sealy and Ms. Eureka Weekes were recipients of the Barbados Service Medal. Also being recognised yesterday was Mr. Adrian Brathwaite, who received the Barbados Bravery Medal in recognition of his act of bravery in saving the lives of three visitors to Barbados, who experienced difficulty while swimming on the West Coast.
Following the presentation of those honours it was time to recognise those awarded the Barbados Jubilee Honour for the contribution they have made to the development of the nation of Barbados since the attainment of Independence.
Among those receiving that award were, for the field of entrepreneurship, Mr. Ralph ‘Bizzy’ Williams; for Innovation, Mr. Stephen Emtage and Dr. Arden Warner. Andre Miller was awarded for his work in the preservation and conservation of coral reefs and William Hinds was honoured for his contribution to the development of renewable energy.
As it relates to Education the award went to Ms. Osbert McClean, Grantley Osbourne, Ms. Jennifer Sealy and Mrs. Ada Straughn; while in the field of Science and Technology, Elkins Ward was recognised. In the area of Cultural Arts, Charles Austin, Kenneth Blackman, Mrs. Pat Brathwaite, Anthony ‘Gabby’ Carter, Michael Cummins, Anthony ‘Tony Poser’ Grazette, Mr. Anthony Hinkson, Ms. Peggy McGeary, Richard Phipps, Mrs. Jill Walker, Wayne Willock and Stedson ‘RPB’ Wiltshire were recognised.
Under Business, Oriel Doyle, Kenneth Hewitt and Mrs. Ram Mirchandani’s contributions were highlighted, as was the case in Sports, for Rawle Clarke, Tyrone Greene, Tyrone Mapp, Brian Talma and Cameron Smith. Mrs. Marion Hart was recognised for her outstanding contribution to agriculture, especially the promotion of the use of local foods.
Meanwhile, in the area of medicine, receiving acknowledgments were Mrs. Stephanie Bryan, Dr. Anthony Harris, Dr. Richard Ishmael, Dr. George Mahy, and Dr. Harold Watson. For their contribution to the Civil Society, Edmund Bayley, Mr. Richard Goddard, David Rawlins, Keith Simmons, Carson Small, Mrs. Susan Springer and Lt. Col. Vere Springer were also awarded the Jubilee Honour. Additionally, Lt. Col. Neville Edwards, Mrs. Avril Gollop, Lionel Jordan and Elsworth Young were recognised for the role they played in the Public Service.
Last, but by no means least, Patrick Frost, Clifford Mayers and Edwin Orlando ‘Gabby’ Scott were recognised for the years they have committed to the labour movement.
Following yesterday’s ceremony there was a reception where the honourees, along with family and friends, mingled with Members of Cabinet and other specially invited guests. (JRT)