KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW
For extraordinary and outstanding achievement and merit in service to Barbados or to humanity at large.
THE HON. SIR MARSTON CREIGHTON DaCOSTA GIBSON, K.A., was born on March 3, 1954 and was educated at St. Matthias School, Boys’ Foundation and Harrison College. He pursued legal studies at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies from 1972 and obtained the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 1975. In 1977, he was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship and read for the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Keble College, Oxford University in England, which he obtained in 1979. From 1979 to 1981, he attended the Hugh Wooding Law School, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, where he was awarded the Chairman’s Special Prize for Evidence and Procedure in 1981.
While attending the Hugh Wooding Law School, he lectured in Criminal Law at the Faculty of Law, St. Augustine Campus, University of the West Indies (UWI). From 1981 to 1987, he was a lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Cave Hill Campus, UWI, where he taught Criminal Law, the Law of Real Property, Law in Society (Jurisprudence), as well as Equity, Doctrines and Remedies.
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Marston Gibson emigrated to the United States in 1987. He was admitted to practice law in the State of New York in 1989 and served for 22 years in the New York State Court system. He began in March 1989 as an Appellate Court Attorney from 1989 to 1992, ultimately attaining the position of Principal Appellate Court Attorney. In 1992, he was appointed a Judicial Referee in the Surrogate’s Court, New York County (Manhattan), where he heard cases involving estates and trusts, particularly where there was a need to establish kinship between petitioners and the deceased persons whose estates they were claiming. He served in that Court until 1998, when he transferred to the Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County (Long Island). At the Supreme Court in Nassau County, whose jurisdiction is similar to that of the High Court of Barbados, the Chief Justice heard civil cases, and was assigned to the Supreme Court, Matrimonial Centre, from 2001 to 2008. He remained there until his appointment as the 13th Chief Justice of Barbados on September 1, 2011. (Ed’s. Note – Can a man so well-versed in American Law, Practice & its pursuant equipment capably handle what is essentially a UK based justice system?)
Sir Marston holds Bar membership in several jurisdictions including Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, and Trinidad and Tobago. He is also a member of the New York State Bar and is admitted to practise before the United States Supreme Court, as well as the United States Federal Courts for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York.
He is also a musician and plays the guitar. From 1981 until 1987, he was a member of the National Crop-Over Festival Orchestra which provided accompaniment to the competitors in the Pic-o-de-Crop Calypso competition. He also sings bass in the choir at St. Ambrose Anglican Church, and has been a member of the choir of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hempstead, New York.
His interests do not end there. While at the Surrogate’s Court of New York County and Supreme Court, Nassau County, he was a union delegate (shop steward). He was also Vice President of the Foundation School Alumni Association of New York and is a current member of the Foundation Old Scholars Association of Barbados. He is a member of the Barbados Cancer Association of New York and the Caribbean-America Medical and Scientific Association. From 1984 to 1987, he was the moderator of “Guttaperk”, a call-in radio programme on the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and for over 15 years, he was a member of the St. Matthias’ Scout Troop where he attained his Queen’s Scout Badge.
- The Accolade of KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW is being conferred in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the legal profession in Barbados and at the international level.
Not because we think he may actually deliberate on cases like CLICO, BAICO or the Al Barrack debacle…
DR. SIR FRANK WALTON ALLEYNE, K.A., was born to Beresford and Eulalie Alleyne on October 20, 1938. He received his primary education at the Christ Church Boys’ School and his secondary schooling at the Boys’ Foundation.
On graduation from secondary school in 1958, he worked with Richard Costain Associates, a construction and engineering firm that was contracted to build Barbados’ Deep Water Harbour. This lasted one day. Notwithstanding that the wage rates, conditions of employment, and opportunities for advancement in the employ of Richard Costain Associates were superior to those offered by the Government of Barbados’ teaching service in the primary school system, he left the firm to take up a position as a relief teacher. Two years later he was appointed an Assistant Teacher.
His thinking concerning the path that he wished to pursue in life crystallized in his late teen years. He decided then that a stable family was his number one priority in life. In order to attain his goal he chose to commit to programmes in higher education and training as the most effective available strategy. The year 1962 marked a significant watershed with respect to the implementation of his plan. In that year he was admitted to the Erdiston Teachers’ Training College as a resident student. College life afforded him the opportunity to socialize with colleagues of different cultures. Residential life in the Erdiston Teachers’ College provided him with ample opportunities to engage in robust debate that continued into the early morning hours, covering a wide range of issues.
At this time, the Government of Barbados commenced the implementation of social and economic policies that would transform the country into a land of opportunity. This period was truly exciting for young Frank, who was seeking an avenue for his economic and social advancement. In 1964 he was admitted to the University of the West Indies (Barbados Campus) to pursue studies leading to the award of the Bachelor’s Degree, graduating in 1967 at the top of his class. The award of post-graduate scholarships by the University of the West Indies, University of Miami, Coral Gables (USA), American Foundation Fellowship, and Ford Foundation facilitated his studies at the postgraduate level. He was invited by Mr. Alister McIntyre (now Sir Alister), Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Research of the University of the West Indies, to join the research staff of the Institute in 1968, at the level of Research Assistant in the Monetary Studies Programme.
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In a career spanning thirty-six years working in the University of the West Indies, he retired in 2004 having attained the rank of a fully tenured Professor of Development Economics. In addition to his research and teaching duties, he provided leadership to his Department, and the Social Sciences Faculty at the Campus and University level. He also served on the boards of several local statutory corporations and non-governmental organizations.
In 1962 he met a young lady, Elvira Durant who eventually became his wife. The union produced four daughters, Dawn, Franka, Shirley, and Nicole. They are the proud grandparents of three boys and three girls, and they look forward to welcoming an addition shortly.
The Accolade of KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW is being conferred in recognition of his outstanding contribution to education especially at the tertiary level and for his public service to the people of Barbados.
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GOLD CROWN OF MERIT
For highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
LIONEL OLIVER WEEKES, GCM, was born on June 3, 1946 to the late Gordon Bascombe and Leotta Weekes.
He received his early education at the Belmont and St. Giles Primary Schools, before attending Combermere School between 1957 and 1964. He pursued studies at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona Campus, from 1974 to 1975, and again from 1976 to 1979, graduating with a Certificate in Public Administration and a BSc. Honours Degree in Government (Public Administration Option).
On April 10, 1964, Mr. Weekes entered the Public Service of Barbados as a Long Grade Clerk (Clerical Officer), and since then, he has had an outstanding career, working in several Ministries and Departments for just over 48 years, half of them as a Permanent Secretary, public sector leader and manager.
During the twenty-four (24) year period between January 1989 and June 2012, Mr. Weekes was assigned as a Permanent Secretary to the Ministries of : Public Works & Transport; Tourism & International Transport; Industry, Commerce & Business Development; Industry & International Business; Labour & Social Security; Health; Youth Affairs & Sports; Family and Environment, Water Resources & Drainage.
Regarded as an astute, loyal and dependable Permanent Secretary, manager and problem solver, Mr. Weekes has often been described by his peers and his political bosses as an exemplary public servant with great acumen and as a vast reservoir of knowledge, who often went beyond the call of duty to get things done.
He always emphasized the need for life-long training and provided his services as a tutor at the Government Training Division now Training Administration for many years. He was also a mentor for many officers across the Public Service, some of whom occupy leading positions.
Indeed, during his twenty-four (24) years as a Permanent Secretary, he provided wise counsel to every leader and administration in Barbados since independence.
Lionel Weekes has also been an integral part of the local community, scouting and sporting fraternities for decades. A member of the Benfica Sports Club, he has been its President and a member of its executive for many years. He is also a Past President of the Husbands and Oxnards Community Association.
Mr. Weekes has been a lay member of the Boy Scouts Association of Barbados for over twenty-five years and has made a significant contribution to the scout movement of Barbados, having rendered sterling service as Deputy Chairman of the Bridgetown District Council from 1990 to 1992 and as Chairman from 1993 to the present.
Lionel Weekes is married to Barbara Patricia Weekes, nee Lewis, and is the father of three children – Lionel Omar Barrow, Lena Weekes-Phillips and Lionel Omowale Weekes.
In recognition of his twenty-four (24) years’ service in the Barbados Public Service in a senior position and for his invaluable contribution to scouting.
PATTERSON KEITH HERMAN CHELTENHAM, GCM, Q.C., was born to Lionel Cheltenham and Chloris Cheltenham on May 16, 1952 at St. Patrick’s, Christ Church.
Mr. Cheltenham is a prominent member of the local Bar to which he was called in 1978. He has also been admitted to the Bar in Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Vincent and St. Lucia. In May, 2001 he was appointed Queen’s Counsel. He was educated at the St. Patrick’s Boys’ School, Boy’s Foundation and The Lodge School.
He entered the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies in 1972 graduating in 1975 with the LL.B., Upper Second Class Honours. During the period 1975 to 1976 he pursued post-graduate studies at University College London where he received the LL.M. degree in Taxation, Company Law and Insurance. He completed his Legal Education Certificate in 1978 at the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad.
In addition to managing a very active law practice, Patterson Cheltenham has served on the Council of the Bar Association on several occasions – he was Vice President for the period 2007-2009, chaired the Education Committee, and was highly instrumental in the introduction of programmes of continuing legal education for members of the Bar and paralegal personnel. He has also served on the Rules Committee of the Supreme Court which was tasked with the development of the new rules of the court. He is a current member of the Judicial Advisory Council.
His interest in public affairs is best captured by his long and uninterrupted stint as chairman of the Board of Management of the Lodge School since 1994 and as chairman of the Value Added Tax (VAT) Appeal Tribunal since 1997.
Between 1998 and 2000 he was chairman of the Intellectual Property Committee which was mandated to assist and advise the then government in meeting its intellectual property obligations prior to its entry to the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
At the regional level, he is a member of the CARICOM Competition Commission established under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and based in Suriname.
Outside of law and public affairs he also serves as Vice President of Empire Club.
For his contribution to the legal profession and public service.
PROF. TIMOTHY COLIN ROACH, GCM, FRCP (EDIN.) was born in 1949, the second son of Colin and Barbara Roach (nee Fitzpatrick). He was educated at The Lodge School and gained a Barbados Scholarship in 1968. He proceeded to Cambridge University and the Westminster Hospital, London, to study Medicine, graduating in 1974. After house jobs at Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, he undertook postgraduate training at the Leeds General Infirmary and became a Member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK) in 1977. He was subsequently awarded a fellowship at the Royal Brompton Hospital and trained in Respiratory Medicine under Professor Margaret Turner-Warwick.
He has worked as a Consultant Physician in Internal and Respiratory Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital since 1981. During this period, he has established a state-of- the-art Respiratory Unit which provides fibreoptic bronchoscopy and pulmonary function testing for the investigation of pulmonary diseases such as asthma and pneumonia. Together with Drs. Howitt and Naidu he has investigated the prevalence of asthma in Barbadian schoolchildren, and contributed to the International Study on Allergy and Asthma in Children (ISAAC).
In 1986, Dr. Roach was appointed a Captain in the Reserve Unit of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) and is currently Co-director of The Hyperbaric Chamber Unit at the BDF. In this capacity, Professor Roach has treated hundreds of divers from across the Caribbean suffering from decompression sickness (the “Bends”). In addition, he has treated many patients from the QEH with medical conditions that benefit from hyperbaric oxygen.
Timothy Roach has been at the forefront of the battle against HIV/AIDS since 1984 when the first patients with AIDS were diagnosed at the QEH. He has been a member of the National Advisory Committee on AIDS (NACA) since its inception in 1988 and its reformulation as the National HIV/AIDS Commission in 2001. In 1988 he established the AIDS Management Team at the QEH – the first multi-disciplinary clinical team established for the care and support of HIV positive patients in the Hospital. From this beginning, the expanded response to HIV has resulted in the LadyMeade Reference Unit, an acknowledged world class facility for HIV/AIDS care and treatment.
Professor Roach has published research on several aspects of respiratory disease, HIV/AIDS and decompression sickness and continues an active interest in the latest treatments and developments in the management of these conditions. He has a major interest in sleep disorders and sleep disordered breathing, including Obstructive Sleep Apnoea and has established a sleep clinic at the QEH.
He is a founder member of the Asthma Association of Barbados and until recently was the President of the Barbados Cancer Society and a director of the AIDS Foundation of Barbados. He maintains membership of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) and the Royal Society of Medicine, UK. In 1993 he was awarded an Eisenhower Fellowship to travel and observe centres of excellence in several cities in the USA.
He maintains an active interest in scuba diving and was, for several years, the Chairman of the Barbados Sub-Aqua Club. He is married to Catherine, a retired nursing instructor at Barbados Community College and has one son, James – a qualified commercial helicopter pilot.
For his contribution to medicine and particularly HIV/AIDS.
IAN DeVERE ARCHER, GCM was born in St. George’s, Grenada on September 3, 1929.
He received his secondary school education at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School where his father was the Senior Master. He studied Law at Lincoln’s Inn, London, England, and was called to the Bar as an Attorney at Law in 1963. In 1968 he graduated with a Master of Laws degree (LL.M) from the Institute of Air and Space Law, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
Mr. Archer joined the Barbados Civil Service in 1964 as an Administrative Cadet and was assigned to the Office of the Premier. In 1966, he was appointed as an Administrative Assistant in the Attorney General’s Chambers, Barbados, and in 1967 was promoted to the post of Crown Counsel. From 1969 to 1976 he was Senior Crown Counsel (Aviation) in the Ministry responsible for Civil Aviation in Barbados. And in 1976 he was appointed as Permanent Secretary of that Ministry. Between 1974 and 1989 Mr. Archer was a Director and, on several occasions elected as Chairman of LIAT (1974) Ltd. He served as Managing Director of LIAT from 1978 to 1981.
During the period 1983 – 1986 he was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Security in Barbados with responsibility for the Social Services, including the National Insurance Scheme, the Drug Service and the (then) proposed National Health Service. From 1986 to the date of his retirement from the Barbados Civil Service in 1989, he was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry responsible for Civil Aviation.
Mr. Archer represented Barbados at several International Air Law Conferences, and led Barbados’ delegations to General Assemblies of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). He was elected Chairman of the Legal Commission of the 1977 ICAO General Assembly. He was also a member of ICAO’s Panel of Experts on Air Fares and Rates (1976 – 1977). Between 1966 and 1989, Mr. Archer was a member, and subsequently leader, of Barbados’ delegations to Air Services Agreement negotiations with other countries.
He was Chairman of Caribbean Airways (then the national airline of Barbados) from the date of its establishment in 1974 to 1978, and again from 1986 to 1994. As Chairman, he was responsible for establishing the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Caribbean Aircraft Handling Company Ltd., and was its first Chairman – from 1992 to 1994.
After his retirement from the Civil Service, Mr. Archer was a member of the team of xonsultants (led by Sypher: Mueller of Canada) appointed by the Government of Barbados to prepare a Strategic Development Plan for the Grantley Adams International Airport. Immediately after that assignment he was invited to, and joined, another group of consultants that advised the Government of Barbados on the most suitable form of institutional structure for an Airport Authority to manage and operate the International Airport in Barbados.
In 2011, at an Awards Ceremony organized by the Ministry of International Business and International Transport, Ian Archer was formally recognized for his (in the words of the award) “sterling contribution to Civil Aviation”.
Mr. Archer is a founder-member of the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP) and at its inaugural meeting in 1995 was elected to the post of Vice President. From 1998 to 2004 he was the President of the Association.
He is the proud father of two children, Craig and Suzanne Archer and the grandfather of two boys, Joshua and Ryan Archer.
For his outstanding and distinguished Civil Service career, particularly in the area
of local and regional civil aviation, the Grantley Adams International Airport Development and his contribution to the Barbados Association of Retired Persons (BARP).
*****
SILVER CROWN OF MERIT
For meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
- BERNELL LLEWELLYN ARRINDELL, SCM, was born in St. Christopher and Nevis on November 4, 1948. He attended the St. Christopher and Nevis Grammar School until 1963 when he emigrated to England with his parents.
He attended Waverley Grammar School in Birmingham from 1963 to 1968. He also has a Diploma in English Law from the London Metropolitan University (formerly the London Guildhall University). He worked in the United Kingdom Inland Revenue Department for 11 years before joining the accounting firm of Ernst & Young in the UK. He moved to Barbados in 1993 to lead the Taxation Services Department of Ernst & Young Caribbean. He also served as the Managing Partner of the Barbados office of Ernst & Young Caribbean until his retirement in 2009.
He has acted as an adviser to the Government of Barbados on taxation matters for the past 15 years. During that time he has made a significant contribution to the development of the Barbados international business and financial services sector. As a member of the Barbados Double Taxation Treaty Negotiating Team he has played a significant role in assisting with the formulation of Barbados’ double taxation treaty strategy and the expansion of its network of double taxation treaties.
He has also travelled extensively internationally, on behalf of the Barbados Government, promoting Barbados as an international financial services centre.
He has served as a member of the Joint Policy Working Group of the Barbados Government for many years. As the Chair of the Working Group’s Strategic Planning Subcommittee, he spearheaded the development of the first strategic plan for the international business and financial services sector (the 2007/2012 Strategic Plan). In addition, he has also been instrumental in the development of new legislation designed to enhance Barbados’ reputation as a respected international financial services centre.
He is a member of the CARICOM Working Group on Fiscal Policy and has been an active member of the United Nations Committee of Experts on Cooperation in International Tax Matters for the past eight (8) years. He is the Chairman of the Committee’s Working Group on the Revision of the Manual for the Negotiation of Double Taxation Agreements between Developed and Developing Countries.
From 2006 to 2011, he served as Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector and, in that capacity, made an important contribution to the work of the Barbados Social Partnership, the National Initiative for Service Excellence (NISE) and the Barbados Government’s Council of Economic Advisers, of which he is still a member.
Mr. Arrindell is a citizen of Barbados and is the nephew of the late Sir Clement Arrindell, the former Governor-General of St. Kitts.
In recognition of his highly meritorious service and contribution to the
development of Barbados’ financial services sector.
- JANICE ANITA THOMPSON, SCM, can be described as an educator, creative writer, composer and dramatist who has devoted over 40 years of her life in service to others.
Born in 1948, she grew up in the rural area of Watts Village, St. George where her leadership potential, creativity and most of all, her inclination toward a life of service were nurtured and shaped, particularly in the Moravian Church.
On leaving school, Mrs. Thompson achieved her childhood dream of becoming a teacher. Her desire to make a difference in the lives of others and her belief that working with children and the youth was her calling contributed to her success and early promotion to Senior Teacher at her alma mater, South District Primary School.
As a young teacher, she was drawn to the area of Special Education; pursuing training in this field and providing free after school assistance for academically challenged children. She also gave of her time as a netball coach and Brownie pack leader.
Following further academic and professional training, she rose in the ranks of the teaching service to her eventual appointment as Principal of the St. Martin’s Mangrove Primary School in 1994. It was there that she gained national prominence as a dedicated administrator and a leading light in the performing arts.
Despite the demands placed on her as principal of the school, Mrs. Thompson found time and energy to compose and direct numerous winning pieces for the performing arts group of the St. Martin Mangrove School. Included among their achievements were several top NIFCA awards, Community Independence Awards, and several top positions in the junior calypso competitions.
Under the expert guidance of this indefatigable leader, the students also performed at major local functions including Labour Day Activities, Board of Tourism events, National Heroes Day functions, events at Government House and Ilaro Court, at hotels and on radio and television. Her creative talents were also showcased when she composed local Christmas carols which the children performed at leading hotels, and welcome songs which they performed at special welcoming ceremonies for visitors to Barbados.
She has also received a number of personal awards for her work. In 2005, she was recognized by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) with an award for outstanding contribution to the development of the performing arts. In 2007, she was recognized by the NCF for her invaluable contribution towards the Junior Calypso Monarch Competition, and in 2006, she received an award from the Parent Teachers Association for her commitment, dedication and outstanding work with the students of St. Martin’s Mangrove Primary School. She has also received the St. George Parish Independence Award. In addition, her work has been highlighted in special newspaper features and television programmes.
Despite a demanding schedule in her professional life, Mrs. Thompson, a devout Christian, has also given selflessly of her time in the service of the Moravian Church. She uses her creative writing skills to compose music. Some of her hymns are included in the new soon-to-be-published Moravian hymnal.
For her highly meritorious contribution to education and the performing arts.
DR. VICTOR E. GOODING, SCM, was born at Four Roads, St. Philip. He was educated at St. Martin’s Primary School (now Reynold Weekes Primary), and Harrison College where he earned ‘A’ Levels in Math and Physics and excelled as a high school athlete, becoming one of the leading sprinters in Barbados of that era. He also attended the Met Institute, and then worked at the Met Office before emigrating in 1969 to Montreal, Canada where he completed a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering with distinction at Sir George Williams University (Concordia) while also garnering honours as soccer team MVP and top graduating athlete.
In 1973, he moved to Queen’s University in Kingston where he completed his Master’s and Ph.D degrees in Applied Science (Electrical Engineering). His Master’s thesis provided one of the earliest characterizations of the performance of data transmission via satellite. While studying, he also became a highly ranked Canadian track and field competitor at the varsity, provincial and national levels, and in 1975 was awarded the Jack Jarvis Trophy as the school’s top athlete after setting four (4) sprint records in the intercollegiate championships. In 1976, he was selected to represent Barbados at the Montreal Olympics where he ran the 4x400m relay. He was inducted into the Queen’s University Sports Hall of Fame in 1994.
Upon graduation from Queen’s in 1977, he remained in Kingston to work at the university for three years as an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, before moving to Ottawa in 1980 to join Telesat Canada, now one of the largest satellite operators in the world and owner of all of Canada’s satellite spacecraft. Dr. Gooding is currently a Senior Advanced Systems Engineering Specialist at Telesat, making major contributions as a member of a highly-skilled team involved in studies, planning, design, development and testing of new satellite concepts, technologies and applications. His responsibilities include managing major R&D projects sponsored by the Canadian Space Agency and involving space industry partners and clients from around the world.
During his tenure at Telesat, Dr. Gooding has amassed over 32 years of diversified experience in the telecommunications industry, and his body of work has contributed significantly to the company’s recognition as a world leader in satellite communications. Of particular note, he proactively developed an advanced system model to characterize the performance and capacity of spot beam broadband satellite systems, for which he received a patent as well as a Bell Canada First Invention Award in 2006. As a result, he was invited to Barbados by BIDC to deliver the feature address at the 2007 National Industry Awards ceremony on the topic of innovation for economic stimulation. His professional excellence was recognized by Canada’s Black Business & Professional Association with the 2007 Harry Jerome Award for Innovation and Technology. He has published several technical papers while at Queen’s as well as at Telesat, and is listed in “Who’s Who in Black Canada” as well as “Some Barbadian Canadians”.
He has finally retired from coaching competitive youth soccer after over 16 years. He maintains a keen interest in electronics, computers and music. Most of his spare time is spent in his home studio – playing, composing, recording and producing a wide variety of music.
Dr. Gooding lives in Ottawa with his wife Valerie, and has two daughters Cara and Hayley.
For his contribution to research in the area of data transmission via satellite.
WILLIAM EDGAR MUHAMMAD NASSAR, SCM, has his roots planted firmly in Carrington’s Village, a community with a rich history in human development that has produced Sir Louis Tull, Dr. Ramases Caddle, Earl Maynard, George Lamming, Orrie Bryan and so many others.
These men gave him inspiration. Mr. Nassar was not a graduate of any of Barbados’ leading institutions, but gifted with ambition and a confidence in himself, was inspired and motivated to see beyond the now and focus on the future.
Mr. Nassar started his journey by learning a trade, and that started at Smith’s Wrought Iron and Engineering Works on Roebuck Street. From the beginning he realized that he was gifted in this field. What appeared difficult to others posed no real problems to this young and ambitious apprentice who was not afraid to work and work he did.
When he started, manufacturing was not one of the chosen professions of small business men, but he saw himself becoming a force to be reckoned with in this field, and in some ways paved the way for others to develop businesses that have made a mark in this country and throughout the Caribbean. From Tweedside Road where he started his own business, a forward thinking businessman, Mr. Kenneth Russell Hunte, saw the product which he was producing, bought his furniture and allowed it – even at that start up stage – to be displayed in his up-to-date showroom on lower Broad Street.
Mr. Nassar developed rapidly and soon had the pleasure of seeing his company occupying one of the largest manufacturing complexes in Grazettes. His company moved from small to large in the twinkling of an eye and soon he was supplying all the major furniture stores as well as supplying school furniture to every major school in Barbados. One of his successes was the company’s entry into designing and creating pool, patio, garden and dining room furniture for the hotel industry. Husbands Wrought Iron and Engineering Works were the first manufacturers of metal office furniture in Barbados.
With all his successes Mr. Nassar never forgot his humble beginnings. Blessed by the God given gift of good hands, a sharing personality and an ever active mind, he felt he had more to do, which led him to the Nation Of Islam and brought forward thinkers like Louis Farakhan to this country to speak about issues confronting black people not only in the USA but also the Caribbean.
Mr. Nassar has given significant service to the Barbados Manufacturers Association and the Barbados Small Business Association. But his most revered service is through The Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown where he has the pleasure of serving the children and the less fortunate people of Barbados. To date his other recognitions are:
• The OSHE EMEKA Life Time Achievement Award honouring his inestimable contribution to ‘Africentric’ Development (2010) from the Commission for Pan- African Affairs.
• The Clement Payne National Hero’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Development of the People of Barbados and the Caribbean. (2004)
• Kiwanian of the Year (2011-2012) awarded by Kiwanis Club of Bridgetown.
For his contribution to business and community service.
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BARBADOS SERVICE STAR
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavor.
MARVA BELINDA ALLEYNE, BSS, was born on December 2, 1939 to the late Damian and Stella Alleyne. She was educated at St. Bartholomew’s Primary School, St. Michael’s Girls’ School and the UWI (Mona, Jamaica) obtaining her BSc. Degree with Honours in Social Work with specialization in Community Development. Through this Discipline, she has been able to assist the Governments of Barbados and the Caribbean, as well as Non-Governmental Organizations and Community Based Organizations in piloting and conducting successful community development projects since 1964. She has worked in the areas of Business and Commerce, Welfare, Child Care, Youth and Community Development, and Women and Gender Affairs.
Miss Alleyne has successfully managed, researched and directed Government’s policy for the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women both in Barbados and the Caribbean region. She served as Director of Women’s Affairs in Barbados and later as Advisor on Women and Youth for the 19 English and Dutch speaking countries of the Caribbean Sub Region of the ILO (1981-1982). As the First Director of Women’s Affairs, 1976-1981, she served as the Executive Secretary to the National Commission on the Status of Women (1976-1978). She continued her service as Director of Women’s Affairs from 1988-1999. Through her regional work with the ILO, she was able to assist the Caribbean Governments in the processes for implementing their policies on gender non-discrimination, and advised them on the establishment of National Machinery where necessary and evaluated such machinery for the governments of Suriname, Belize and Montserrat. She served as Principal Delegate of Barbados to the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM) of the OAS from 1978-80.
In the period between 1978 and 2010, Marva Alleyne served as Consultant to the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill, in the design and establishment of the Women and Development Programme (WAND UNIT); the Social Work Programme and the Poverty Law Programme of 1998. In the Poverty Law Programme, she also served as Visiting Lecturer for twelve (12) years where she influenced the training of approximately 360 Third Year Law students from throughout the Caribbean in “Poverty Law” and “Women in Crisis”.
Miss Alleyne has represented Barbados at many regional and international meetings, conferences and seminars. She has served as a member of the National Committees for the United Nations Celebratory Years on Children, Youth, Family, Women, Elderly, Environment and Poverty, contributing to the production of the National, Regional and International Plans of Action in each of these global development areas. For many years from 1986, Ms. Alleyne focused the UN International Women’s Day – March 8th – on highlighting and developing the economic capacity and potential of women micro entrepreneurs. Over forty (40) entrepreneurs emerged from the programme.
Marva Alleyne is and has been for many years, a Trustee of the National Union of Public Workers.
She served as one of the pioneers of PAREDOS where she gave of her expertise in improving the parent/child relationship and knowledge from 1968 to the present. She continues to be a resource person when called upon.
A Christian, she is a member of the Bethlehem Moravian Women’s Fellowship for over 40 years, and served as Chairman of the Bethlehem Moravian Church Committee from 1997-98. She also serves as a Delegate to the Moravian Island Conference.
Resuscitating an eight (8) year old who had drowned in the swimming pool at Marine House on June 21, 1985, has been her most rewarding and humbling experience.
Miss Alleyne is the proud mother of one daughter.
For her outstanding contribution to the Public Service, in particular, social care.
- NORMA EUDENE BOWEN, BSS, was born November 17, 1947. She was educated at the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School, St. Pauls’ Girls School, Federal High School and McGill University.
At the age of nine (9), two of her school teachers, Ms. Lucina Hunte and Ms. Marjorie Griffith of St Pauls’ Girls School , discovered Norma’s talent and entered her for the Schools’ Music Festival which she won with the song ‘Tit Willow’ from one of the Gilbert and Sullivan’s operas.
Norma’s singing career was nurtured by the late Cleveland Rose of the Val Rosa Club and the late Harold Rock of the Choir for the Animation of the Sick and Incapacitated. During those years Norma was entered for more singing competitions and has performed at many venues in Barbados and the Caribbean, bringing cheer to shut-ins, prisons, children’s homes and the infirmed at hospitals, infirmaries and the like.
Besides performing for Heads of State in Barbados, St. Vincent and Grenada, Norma was commissioned by the former British High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr. John White, to perform a solo recital at “Benmar” to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second.
Being a veteran classical performer, Norma has done solo performances in Barbados and the Caribbean to raise funds for many charities – such as the Cancer Society, the Heart Foundation – churches and other organizations. She has also performed at weddings and funerals. Norma has sung with the choirs of the Cathedral of St Michael’s and all Angels as well as with the Barbados Festival Choir, where she was the leading Soprano. She has played the leading roles in productions such as Bimshire, and Gilbert and Sullivan operas with the Festival Choir and later went on to become their director and producer.
As a student at McGill University, Norma sang with the McGill University Singers as well as with the McGill Opera studio. She was also the soloist of the St John’s Evangelist Church, Montreal and she trained the junior and senior choirs of St. Paul’s Anglican Church as well as the West Indian Folk singers in Montreal.
Having been positively influenced by voice teachers Mrs. Margot Branch (deceased) and Mr. Jan Simon of McGill University, Norma embarked on her own mission, as a voice teacher and has instructed many students of her own, among whom are Gaye Gajahdar (her very first student) Carol George, Allison Hinds, Kenneth Armstrong, Andre Hoyte, Robert Best, Edwin Yearwood, Ann Marie Willett, Orlando Oliveira, former Ambassador of Brazil to Barbados and many others. Norma also does workshops with choirs and also serves as a guest conductor.
Norma is a teacher at the Springer Memorial School where she heads the Music Unit as well as being a year-head mistress. Over the years, she has been a positive influence to many of her female charges and has helped many of them to develop a love for music as well as teaching them to share their talents with others in the school’s outreach programme.
Norma lives her life by the words of the song “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living will not be in vain” and so she has assisted in many fund raising ventures. She has been a member of the voluntary organization, the League of Friends of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital since 1970. In addition, Miss Bowen is a member of the volunteer group that operates the ‘Trolley Shop on Wheels’ and can be seen weekly going from ward to ward serving the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s patients with toiletries and healthy snacks.
In recognition of her valuable contribution to cultural development in Barbados as a teacher of music.
- MARILYN ROSEMARY RICE-BOWEN, BSS, J.P., was born on September 20, 1954 in the island of Grenada and attended the Baptiste Private School. At age seven (7) she came to Barbados and attended Carrington’s Primary School and then St. Leonard’s Girls School where she was appointed Head Girl.
At the tender age of 13, she joined the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) as a Y-Teen. In her capacity as a youth member of the YWCA she attended a Regional YWCA meeting in Paramaribo, Suriname in 1972. In 1974 she was selected as the lone representative to the YWCA World Council which was held in Vancouver, Canada. In 1986 she was elected President of the YWCA and served in that capacity until 1988. To date she holds the record as the youngest woman elected to that position in Barbados.
Marilyn wears many hats. In 1989, she was the joint winner of the Business and Professional Women sponsored Young Career Women’s Award. During the period 1997-1999 she served as President of the Life Underwriters Association of Barbados – now Barbados Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. In 2000, Marilyn was appointed Conference Chairman of the Democratic Labour Party’s Annual Conference and in 1999 until 2002 Marilyn volunteered her services as an AIDS Hotline Operator. She was elected President of the Caribbean Women’s Association in 2012.
In 2001, Marilyn joined the Victim Support Programme which is managed by the Royal Barbados Police Force and offers support to victims of crime e.g. domestic violence, rape or any other traumatic event. She is currently still involved in this programme.
In 2002, Marilyn was elected President of the Caribbean Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the first Barbadian woman to be elected to this position and she served until 2004. During this period, she was instrumental in introducing programmes to demonstrate the social aspect of insurance and financial advisors.
In July 2007, she led the Barbados delegation to YWCA World Council held in Nairobi, Kenya. Marilyn also participated in a YWCA Safari to Uganda where she worked with the YWCA of Uganda in the field with rural persons living with HIV/AIDS.
Her greatest achievement to date was the launch of the YWCA Breakfast Club in January 2007. In the earlier days of this programme approximately 30 children were fed daily. To date, this programme provides free breakfast to 1,000 school children daily. Marilyn was instrumental in bringing on board members of Corporate Barbados who continue to offer financial support to this venture. To date, numerous organisations having witnessed the value of this programme and have replicated it thus ensuring the nutritional needs of our nation’s children are adequately met.
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Professionally, Marilyn is a Fellow of the Life Underwriters’ Training Institute and for the past twenty-nine (29) years has served as a Sagicor Advisor, a role she views as an extension of her community service.
She is the mother of two adult children Damian Bowen and Damara Smith and grandmother of three boys Mekai and Micah Bowen and Elijah Smith.
For her outstanding community service and in particular her work
with the YWCA Breakfast Programme in Barbados. It has nothing to do with the Ruling Party hoping this sop will keep her quiet as to why she demitted as Chair of the National Housing Corporation in Aug. 2010, whereupon shortly thereafter then Opposition leader Mia Mottley revealed how Michael Lashley was leasing Gov’t-owned land to Jada Construction at Coverley for a rate of $99 per year for 99 years which means almost 100 years at less than $10,000?
- PAULETTE MARGO DRAKES, BSS, was born on November 11, 1946 to Neville Wilfred Boxill and Sylvia Doreen Clarke.
She attended the Mayer’s Private School, the Belmont Girls’ Primary School and the Christ Church Girls’ Foundation School. On completion of secondary school, she tried her hand at several occupations before journeying to the United Kingdom in 1970 to enter the nursing profession. Paulette Drakes trained as a nurse at the Joyce Green Hospital (Kent) from 1970 to 1974. She furthered her studies in midwifery at the Oldham and District General Hospital (Manchester) from 1978 to 1979.
Her nursing career covered forty-two (42) years. Eleven (11) of those years were spent in nursing in various parts of the United Kingdom (UK). She also served as a volunteer teacher at one of the “Saturday Schools” in London to assist West Indian children to adjust to the British education system.
On her return to Barbados in 1981, she worked at the St. Joseph Hospital, St. Peter briefly. She then transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) from late 1981 until her pre-retirement leave in August 2012.
She is the proud mother of Neil, Reynold, Chiaka and Thabiti.
For her outstanding contribution to the nursing profession.
DR. SCOFIELD EUGENE EVERSLEY, BSS, was born in Fairview, St. George, Barbados on December 6, 1943 to Kenneth DaCosta and Millicent Tryphosa (both deceased) and he is the fifth of eight children. His educational experiences started at St. Jude’s Primary School and continued to the Barbados O’Level Institute. He holds a Doctorate in Theology (Th.D.), M.A. in Theology and B.A. in Theology all from Covington Theological Seminary, and a Diploma in Theology from the Nazarene Training College (now Caribbean Nazarene College).
On July 1, 1998, Dr. Scoffield Eugene Eversley assumed the Presidency of Caribbean Nazarene College (CNC) located in the valley of Santa Cruz in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. He is the tenth president to serve the College in its 60-year history. His election by the CNC Board of Trustees culminated 10 years’ service as Chairman of the CNC Board of Trustees.
Before this assignment, Dr. Eversley was the pastor of Western Light Church of the Nazarene, which he founded in 1992, and District Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene Barbados District from 1988-1998. He served as pastor on the Barbados District for 33 years.
His involvement has not only been in the pastoral field, but he has also served the International Church of the Nazarene as a General Board member for ten (10) years, on the Commission of the International Church, the World (now Global) Mission Division of the General Board of the Church of the Nazarene International and as the Caribbean representative on the International Board of Education. He also served as the Field Strategy Coordinator for the English Caribbean for the Church of the Nazarene from 1999-2011.
His contribution to the society at large is noteworthy. Dr. Eversley has also been involved as chairman of committees of the West Terrace Primary School; member of the Board of Management of the St. Leonard’s Boys’ Secondary School; Chaplain of Grazettes, Hindsbury and Belmont Primary Schools; Chairman of Bank Hall/Eagle Hall Neighborhood Watch Committees; and member of the Mental Health Review Board, Ministry of Health.
Dr. Eversley and his wife, Margaret née King were married on April 2, 1966, and have three children – David Leon, Carlos Lincoln and Trudy Kathy-Ann, and one grandchild, Trudy Leesa Char-anne Eversley.
In recognition of his dedicated service to the growth and development of the Church of the Nazarene.
BARBADOS SERVICE MEDAL
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.
JOHN ANDREW KING, BSM, was born in Birmingham, England to Barbadian parents Harvey and Monica on May 10, 1964.
Described as a feisty, self-determined toddler, John’s quick wit and love for singing and dancing became the source of many entertaining days for his first audience, his family.
Seeking a Barbadian education and upbringing for their children, the Kings brought their two offspring to the land of their birth.
On entering the Ebenezer Primary School, John’s constant singing was channelled into performances at school concerts rather than punished as the distraction it could have so easily been interpreted to be. This was the beginning of an illustrious career.
In June 1982 “Johnny Ma Boy” was introduced to the Calypso arena and the wider community after making a name for himself as a street dancer in his early teens.
Armed with an “I can!” attitude developed at his alma mater, this Lodge School graduate threw caution to the wind and set sail on the unchartered waters of entertainment as his chosen profession, at a time when such notions would have been considered ludicrous for a “Lodge Boy”.
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From Auntie Olga’s Children’s Party to Reggae Sunsplash and beyond, John’s talent as a singer and songwriter has been recognized and heralded by both audiences and entertainers who have witnessed this consummate performer.
Yet his talent is matched only by his unshakable efforts to confront and challenge discrimination, injustice and exploitation in all forms. This hallmark of his life’s work so far has not only been exhibited in his music, but by his presence at every worthwhile cause he has been invited to lend his support to not only in Barbados but across the region.
His philosophy that every human being living to his or her fullest potential is a blessing to all mankind continues to drive John to constantly better himself, hoping that he can by example inspire others to do the same, thus bettering his beloved homeland and Caribbean.
In recognition of his contribution to calypso and entertainment. Once again, readers are to disabuse themselves this is an act of Political Pimping, the fact many of his songs favor the current regime in Office has nothing to do with this award, he just really deserves it, honestly?
- DEMORA ELVISIO KIRTON, BSM, J.P., was born in Barbados and accepts her responsibility to contribute to its development as best she can.
She emigrated to the USA at an early age to continue her education. Trained in executive secretarial duties, management and public relations, after graduating from business school she remained in New York where she held executive secretarial positions in the field of banking.
She later returned to live in Barbados and worked at a commercial bank before joining the Central Bank of Barbados as secretary to the then Governor.
Having seen the need to assist with providing professional secretarial training for young ladies, she later established her own business, St. Caroline Business College, and soon became one of the successful female entrepreneurs.
For already practicing secretaries, she also formed the Barbados Secretaries Association which she explained was necessary since in any economy the fastest growth is in the business sector which depends heavily on secretarial skills.
Much to her delight, that association, through the serious efforts of its members, has rapidly become a strong professional institution. In order to accommodate other categories of workers the name was changed to the Barbados Association of Office Professionals.
Demora was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 2001. After reading the booklet given to new JPs stating the expectations of a JP, she noted that no training was provided. Always looking for a challenge she formed the Justices of the Peace Association in 2002, solely for the educational development of JPs. It is to help them understand what is required in order to discharge their duties in and for Barbados in a highly professional manner.
She also spends much time in areas of Barbados through the association’s community outreach programme. For the aged and disadvantaged who are unable to articulate their own issues to improve their quality of life, she makes contact on their behalf with appropriate government agencies.
In 1987, she started a YOUTH HELP programme. Counsel is arranged for those who must be encouraged to make better use of their lives through skills training. Contact is made with persons who can provide odd jobs for a start. To ensure they look good for interviews, if needed, they are provided with new outfits which she obtains from some members of the business community.
Every year in August, Demora sets aside a day to treat those children who are close to her; also to motivate them to take education seriously. This year, she accompanied some ages nine to fifteen on a tour of the Coast Guard facility and the Defence Force to help them understand why such agencies do the work they do for Barbados.
Demora is well-known and admired for her role in the promotion of business education, her philanthropic causes, and developmental work with the JPs.
For her outstanding contribution to community service, promotion of business education and developmental work with the Justice of the Peace Programme.
STEPHANIE AMELIA BRYAN, BSM, was born on October 21, 1955 to Mr. and Mrs. Harry Rice and obtained her primary education at the Christ Church Girls’ School and her secondary education at the Federal High School. On graduating from secondary school, she entered the Tercentenary School of Nursing and graduated in 1977 with a Certificate in General Nursing. She worked as a Staff Nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in the Surgical, Oncological, Post-Anesthesia and Intensive care areas before undertaking her present position as a Perfusionist.
She gained a Diploma of Perfusion Technology from the Mississippi School of Perfusion Technology and a Certificate in Clinical Perfusion from the American Board of Cardiovascular Perfusion, making her the first certified Perfusionist in Barbados and the Caribbean.
When heart surgery was introduced in Barbados, she singlehandedly performed the duties of Perfusionist for five years, and for this she was presented with the Award of Excellence in Perfusion, by the Cardiology Consultants of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Mrs. Bryan also assisted with the development of cardiac surgery in Guyana during the period 2007 to 2008 and her perfusion skills were utilized as a member of the team which performed the first Open-heart surgery at Georgetown General Hospital. In addition, she was a visiting Perfusionist to Trinidad during cardiac surgery missions there.
She is currently the Senior Perfusionist attached to the Cardiovascular Services Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. During the hospital’s annual awards in 2006, she was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award for community service. She is presently an active member of the hospital’s Social Activities Committee and has held the post of chairman for several years. She is a member of the Transfusion Committee and has also held the post of Secretary of the Clinical Ethics Committee. As a result of her skills and knowledge she was selected to be a member of the committee that formulated the Critical Care Course Curriculum. In addition, she has set up and managed the first Pre-operative Anesthetic Evaluation Clinic.
She has also successfully completed a certificate in Midwifery at the Barbados Community College and was awarded the ‘Peggy Inniss Award’ for Outstanding Performance in Midwifery Theory. (Additionally, she has successfully completed many professional and non-professional courses. These include Operating Room Techniques, Burns Care for Nurses, Intensive Care Nursing, Guidance and Counseling, Effective Leadership, Civic Education for National Leadership, Public Speaking & Leadership and Presentation Skills).
In the quest to share her knowledge and remain current with the changing trends in both nursing, perfusion technology and health care in general, Mrs. Bryan has attended numerous conferences and has presented several and varied topics related to both fields at conferences locally, regionally and internationally. She also offers her experience and knowledge as a member of the Education Committee of the Nursing Council of Barbados.
She is an active member of the Barbados Nurses Association and honorary membership has been conferred on her for her commitment and dedication to the organization. She is currently the treasurer and has held several other positions including Vice-President. In 1997 she received The Eunice Gibson Award for Professional Growth and Development. In 2000 she was a member of the team which received the First Caribbean Bank ‘Unsung Heroes Award’ which was presented for the BNA’s Community Outreach Program. During the periods 1996 to 2000 and 2010 to 2012, she received the President’s Award for Outstanding Contribution and Support. She has represented the BNA at all levels and has been a member of the Chronic Disease Council of the Ministry of Health (1997-1998) and the first Chronic Diseases Commission. The “Woman in Excellence Award” was conferred on her on International Women’s Day 2003 by the National Organization of Women.
Her community involvement includes being a founding member of both the Cardiac support group and the Foundation for Orthopaedic and Complex Spine (FOCOS) Barbados Inc. She is a devoted Anglican and attends the Christ Church Parish Church where she is a member of the Health and Education Guild and as well as a member of the Line dance and Ballroom Club.
She is married to Anthony Bryan, a retired accountant and has one daughter, Janelle who gained a Barbados Scholarship in 2001 and is a Dental Surgeon in Nottingham, England.
For her contribution to the nursing profession.
- RONALD ARTHUR GITTENS, BSM, J.P., of “Heatheron”, 133 Durants Fairways, Christ Church, was born on June 25, 1938 to Eustace Gittens and Dorothy Gittens née Harrison. He was educated at St. Giles Boys’ School and Combermere School, married Heather Rudd on October 3, 1959 and they have three sons.
Ronald went to work as a teenager beginning with a six (6) months stint at Knights Limited but it was always his ambition to travel and see the world and so, at the age of seventeen years, Ronald registered with a local shipping agent and was hired as a steward on various Harrison Line vessels. Ronald virtually saw the world working on the ships and this provided him with a wealth of experience and unforgettable memories.
Ronald realized that he did not want to make a life at sea his career and after two years he returned to Barbados on December 23, 1957. On his return, he was hired as a clerk at the Barbados Co-operative Cotton Factory where he worked for six (6) months. Afterwards, he joined the Barbados Foundry Limited and worked there for twenty-six (26) years from 1958 to 1984. He started as a Time Keeper and rose through several positions including Assistant Foreman in the Fitting Department, Costing and Charging Clerk and Molding and Costing Supervisor to become Assistant Foreman and finally Assistant to the Workshop Manager. During the last years at the Barbados Foundry, Ronald was sent to Canada for training where he saw firsthand the effectiveness of chemicals used in the molding department. He was laid-off on October 31, 1984 when the Barbados Foundry Limited was placed in receivership and subsequently closed its operations. It was said of Ronald in a letter dated November 27, 1984 from the Joint Receiver and Manager of the Barbados Foundry Limited: “Mr. Gittens was a conscientious, reliable and willing worker who worked long and hard hours in the interest of the Company, even when it involved working through the night after a normal day’s work or being called out at sordidly inconvenient hours of the twenty-four hour day“. As on some occasions there were times he worked from 7.00 a.m. straight through the day and night until 11.00 a.m. the following morning to get the job done.
Having gained varied work experience over the years, Ronald was offered the post of Managing Director of Ideal Restaurant at Cave Shepherd & Co. Ltd. from 1985 to 1992. During this period, he oversaw the opening of The Balcony Restaurant. A highlight in Ronald’s career, however, was the opening of Blakey’s Restaurant in St. Lawrence Gap in 1991.
Ronald also opened Gitco Bargain Warehouse in Kendal Hill, Christ Church which afforded the opportunity to purchase household goods, gift items, novelties and non- perishable food and beverage items at competitive prices. Ronald operated this business for three years. In 2005, Ronald grasped the opportunity to take over an event catering business trading as Almond Bay Caterers, located in Hastings, Christ Church. This business has become a premier catering operation in Barbados under his management.
In 2010, Ronald opened Blakey’s Restaurant and Bar on the Boardwalk at Hastings, Christ Church.
For his contribution to small business and his sustained efforts to promote self-employment. Plus Blakey’s is how a lot of the current DEM Cabinet gained so much weight, great food!
- GLENNIS ENETH NURSE, BSM, was born to Millicent and Joseph Crichlow at “Glenville“, St. Patrick’s, Christ Church on December 21, 1933. She gained her primary education at St. Patrick’s Girls and secondary education at Christ Church Girls’ Foundation School and the Modern High School.
In April 1952, she returned to the Modern High School on a teaching assignment and later that year entered the Government teaching service. She was assigned as a teacher at St. Patrick’s Girls from November 1952 to August 1964, and at Erdiston Model Mixed from September 1964 to November 1968. She was appointed Senior Teacher and functioned in this capacity from December 1968 until April 1979 when she was promoted to Acting Principal at the Carrington’s Primary School. Mrs. Nurse was appointed Principal in 1980 and served with distinction at the St. Jude’s Mixed School and the Christ Church Girls’ School for the period September 1980 to August 1986 and September 1986 to December 1993 respectively. She retired on December 20, 1993.
During her career she took several opportunities to improve her competencies so that she could enhance her instructional delivery to the children entrusted to her care. Mrs. Nurse successfully completed the Teachers’ Certificate B in 1957 and the Certificate in Education for teaching in 1960. She was granted a Commonwealth Bursary to Dundee, Scotland and received a Certificate in Primary Education. She also was successful in a course in Emotional and Learning Disorders to assist her in handling at-risk students. Mrs. Nurse was not one to rest on her laurels and so she pursued higher education and gained the Associate of the College of Preceptors in 1973, Bachelor of Arts in 1979 and the Certificate in Educational Management and Administration in 1984.
Mrs. Nurse was not only concerned with the intellectual development of her students. She went beyond the call of duty to ensure that students’ physical, social and emotional needs were met. For example, she sewed uniforms and provided footwear for needy students; she provided food hampers for children whose circumstances warranted it, especially during festive seasons; and several students were welcomed into her home to stay for short periods. In this regard, she contributed in a distinctive way to improving the lot of those less able to help themselves.
It must be noted that her educational training did not limit her to the classroom, but she used her experience to lecture in Reading to young teachers in the service during the Easter and Summer holidays as a Sunday School teacher; as President and Vice-President of the Barbados Toastmistress Club; as a member of the Caribbean Society for Educational Administrators (CARSEA) and in various Parent-Teacher Associations, thus making a contribution to the educational and social landscape in Barbados.
Her contribution to education has not gone unnoticed. For her efforts, Mrs. Nurse received a Certificate of Appreciation from the St. Jude’s School Parent-Teacher Association and the St. Jude’s School in 1990 and 2011, an award from the St. Patrick’s Heritage and Community Association in 2010, as well as an award from the Modern High School in 1990 – all for her outstanding contribution to education in Barbados.
Furthermore, Mrs. Nurse has served and continues to serve in several organisations in the Anglican Church. She conducted Kerygma Bible courses for parishioners. She was President and Vice-President of The Anglican Young People’s Association. Mrs. Nurse is an active member in the League of Friends and the Health Guild, visiting the sick and shut-ins and accompanying the celebrants in the administering of communion emblems to them. She is also a Lector and an Intercessor.
In recognition of her contribution to church work and the community, Mrs. Nurse was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Diocese of Barbados by the Bishop Reverend Dr. John Holder in observation of Senior Citizens’ Month and for services to the church and community. She also received a Certificate of Appreciation from the St. Patrick’s Anglican Church for her sterling work in the church community. She was also the recipient of a Certificate from the National Assistance Board Bereavement Support Services for caring for the bereaved. This is evidenced by her community service in the parish. Mrs. Nurse has devoted herself to sustained and selfless voluntary service.
For her yeoman service in the field of education and community service.
****
BARBADOS BRAVERY MEDAL
For acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances. (Ed’s. Note - The one award truly understandable, yet would appreciation not be better bestowed on her living children than a medal she cannot use in Heaven or wherever?)
LYNETTE ANITA STOUTE, BBM, (POSTHUMOUS), was born on February 2, 1990. She was a highly active baby who grew into a highly active child. Lynette spent much of her time outside playing, climbing trees and playing in the neighbourhood. At age five (5), she entered Beulah Primary School (now Hilda Skeene Primary School). She was involved in many activities and was a generally good student. On graduating from Hilda Skeene, she moved on to Deighton Griffith Secondary School, where she was active in sports and social activities. At 12 years old she was invited to attend swimming lessons with a friend, and Lynette went on to become an instructor and a certified diver within two (2) years. She was certified in sea search and rescue as well.
She gave birth to her first child, Shamya at 17, soon after came Jaydyn and then Taliesha. She loved her children and was always worried about being a good mother to them. She was a waitress, a kitchen assistant and enjoyed working in jobs that allowed her to meet many people. Her family and friends were an important part of her life.
On August 9, 2012 a fire broke out in the family home, Lynette immediately told the older children to leave the house and went to get the baby from the bedroom. On exiting the house she did not see her older children. She gave the baby to a neighbour and re-entered the house to find the older kids not realizing that they were safe in a neighbour’s home. She sustained severe burns and had to be sent overseas for treatment. She succumbed to complications from her injuries on August 28, 2012, in Panama.
- For the courage and selfless love displayed in attempting to rescue her three children whom she thought were trapped in their burning home at Diamond Valley, St. Philip on August 10, 2012.
AWARD OF THE SERVICES MEDAL OF HONOUR AND CLASPS
Under the provision of the Services Medal of Honour Regulations, 1980 as contained in the Schedule to the Letters Patent of July 25, 1980, His Excellency the Governor-General has made the following awards to the persons indicated, to take effect from November 30, 2012:
THE ROYAL BARBADOS POLICE FORCE
Services Medal of Honour
Insp 994 David Lewis
Insp 290 Jefferson Clarke
S/Sgt 18 Ronald Cummins
S/Sgt 189 Eustace Ifill
S/Sgt 255 Carrison Henry
S/Sgt 908 Lemuel Hackett
S/Sgt 925 Dennis Small
S/Sgt 943 Vernon Moore
S/Sgt 1044 Dale Crichlow
S/Sgt 704 Cecil Watson
Sgt 666 Simeon Forde
Sgt 330 Jeffrey Jackman
Sgt 901 Orville Lovell
Sgt 959 Desmond Catlin
Sgt 975 Peter Gill
Sgt 328 Stephen Bowen
Sgt 1166 Jerry Carter
Sgt 477 Wendell Greenidge
Sgt 1187 Leslie Arthur
Sgt 1194 Roland Cobbler
Sgt 1112 Glyne Yearwood
Sgt 648 David Gooding
PC 226 Gregory Graham
PC 800 Glenda Chandler
PC 826 Kenmore Phillips
PC 478 Adrian Hurley
PC 911 Alan Victor
PC 1178 Cleaverson Small
1st Clasp to the Services Medal of Honour
S/Supt 276 Lionel Thompson
Supt 315 Lybron Sobers
Supt 787 Grafton Phillips
ADOM 613 Clement Nurse
ASP 810 Vernella Wiltshire
ASP 629 Lila Boyce
ASP 67 Richard Boyce
ASP 776 Elphene Moore
Insp 682 Alfred Belgrave
Insp 468 Peter Gibson
Insp 746 Elliott Bovell
Insp 730 John Brathwaite
Insp 317 Victor Wooding
Insp 458 Ian Branch
Insp 612 Lionel Ward
Insp 846 Anthony Jackman
Insp 441 Margaret Stephen
Insp 1007 Dale Stephen
Insp 927 Timothy Springer
Insp 680 Debra Thomas
Insp 512 Barry Hunte
Insp 1091 David Welch
S/Sgt 96 Richard Boyce
S/Sgt 430 Eric Franklyn
S/Sgt 119 David Codrington
S/Sgt 250 Irvin Kellman
S/Sgt 417 Wayne Archer
S/Sgt 320 Samuel Hinds
S/Sgt 1071 Paul Lynch
Sgt 410 Seibert Ward
Sgt 701 Malcolm Babb
PRISONS SERVICE
Services Medal of Honour
Prison Officer II Dave Best
Prison Officer II Michael Clarke
Prison Officer II Kenrick Carmichael
Prison Officer II Jeffrey Hoyte
Prison Officer II Albert Jones
Prison Officer II Roger McIntosh
Prison Officer II Derek Morris
Prison Officer II Paul Outram
Prison Officer II Deighton Davis
Prison Officer II Anthony Holder
Prison Officer II Winfield Lowe
Prison Officer II Jason Tull
Prison Officer II Beverley-Ann Whitehall
Prison Officer II Wayne Trotman
Prison Officer II Wayne Rowe
Prison Officer II Mencia Broomes
Prison Officer II Floyd Downes
Prison Officer II Floyd Wilkinson
Prison Officer II Junior Parris
Prison Officer II Deborah Durham
1st Clasp to the Services Medal of Honour
Asst Chief Officer William Harvey
Prison Officer I Hugh Archer
Prison Officer I Bentley Boucher
Prison Officer I Vincent Carrington
Prison Officer I Oliver Clarke
Prison Officer I Anderson Goodridge
Prison Officer I Andrew Greaves
Prison Officer I Cosmo Greaves
Prison Officer I Cameron Johnson
Prison Officer I Vernal Jordan
Prison Officer I Christopher Scantlebury
Prison Officer I Marcia Best
Prison Officer I Theodore Henry
Prison Officer I Stephen Burrowes
Prison Officer I Donald Connell
Prison Officer I O’Brien Callender
BARBADOS FIRE SERVICE
Services Medal of Honour
Fire Officer Ryan Sargeant
Fire Officer Tony Scantlebury
Fire Officer Andrew Carrington
Fire Officer Fernando McAllister
Fire Officer Mark Layne
Fire Officer Vilmoure Jackman
Fire Officer Jason Dottin
Fire Officer Dave Yearwood
Fire Officer Daveson Deane
Fire Officer Marlon Small
Fire Officer Tremelle Perch
Fire Officer Adrian Elliott
Fire Officer Emmerson White
Fire Officer Anthony Daniel
Fire Officer Glyn Alleyne
Fire Officer Dave Phillips
Fire Officer Anthony Murray
1st Clasp to the Services Medal of Honour
Sub-Officer Errol Gaskin
Sub Officer Mervin Mayers
Dep. Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard
Leading Fire Officer Ryan Austin
Leading Fire Officer John Bowen
Leading Fire Officer Vermont Carrington
Leading Fire Officer Clarence Hinds
Leading Fire Officer Michael Lowe
Leading Fire Officer Trevor Cadogan
Leading Fire Officer Stanley Absalom
Leading Fire Officer Patrick Scantlebury
Leading Fire Officer Henderson Patrick
Fire Officer Anthony Chase
Fire Officer Wesley Holder
Fire Officer Kenneth Hunte
Fire Officer Grantley Kellman
Fire Officer Stephen Miller
Fire Officer Henderson Maynard
Fire Officer Bernard Bowen
Fire Officer Cynthia Boyce-Maynard
Fire Officer Andrew Boyce
Fire Officer Alex Bynoe
Fire Officer Serlene Carrington
Fire Officer Samuel Carrington
Fire Officer Anthony Collymore
Fire Officer Ernle Fields
Fire Officer Mitchell Franklyn
Fire Officer Elvis Haynes
Fire Officer Jeffrey Holligan
Fire Officer Michael Hollingsworth
Fire Officer Ferdinal Browne
Fire Officer Adrian McCarthy
Fire Officer Alfred Boyce
Fire Officer Peter Brathwaite
Fire Officer Hermina Barrow
Fire Officer Anderson Walkes
Fire Officer Marcus Wickham
Fire Officer Stanley Wilkie
BARBADOS DEFENCE FORCE
Services Medal of Honour
Captain Andrew Darlington
Captain Fernella Cordle
Lieutenant Ryan Alleyne
Lieutenant Julia DaBreo
Lieutenant Joel Greenidge
Sergeant Sherla Codrington
Sergeant Wendell Kellman
Sergeant Mariette Brathwaite
Sergeant George Farnum
Sergeant Deryck Grosvenor
Sergeant Albert Brathwaite
Sergeant Sonia Jones
Sergeant Cheddi Weekes
Sergeant Ryan Nurse
Sergeant Colin Marshall
Sergeant Brian Kirton
Sergeant Melvin Terence
Officer Cadet Natalie Haynes
Officer Cadet Shawn Brome
Corporal Julian Hunte
Corporal Rodney Bend
Corporal Ricardo Rock
Corporal Phillip Belle
Corporal Dwayne Phillips
Corporal Tyrone Holder
Corporal Ryan Belgrave
Corporal Janet Clarke
Corporal Dale Colllymore
Lance Corporal Ronnie Peters
1st Clasp to Services Medal of Honour
Major John Mapp
Major Alva Holder
Major Errington Shurland
Major Dorson Franklyn
Captain Neville Springer
Captain Barry Marshall
Captain (Retired) Anderson Boyce
Captain Kurtley Archer
Lieutenant Rohan Riley
Lieutenant Patrick Cozier
Warrant Officer Class II Curtis Farrell
Warrant Officer Class II Sinclair Eversley
Warrant Officer Class II McRoy Jones
Warrant Officer Class II David Springer
Warrant Officer Class II Cleviston Padmore
Warrant Officer Class II Hamil Smith
Staff Sergeant Ronald Springer
Staff Sergeant David Goodman
Staff Sergeant Elroy Smith
Staff Sergeant Orlando Neblett
Staff Sergeant Arlington Cadogan
Staff Sergeant David Craigwell
Staff Sergeant Derville Greene
Sergeant Eric Thompson
Sergeant Marriellia Anthony
Sergeant Jennifer Best
Sergeant Rodney Blackman
Corporal Lawrence Brathwaite
Lance Corporal Adrian Welch
2nd Clasp to the Services Medal of Honour
Colonel Alvin Quintyne
Warrant Officer Class II Rodney Callender
Staff Sergeant Ryan Selby
Corporal Michael McKenzie
Corporal Orson Phillips
