“It is so nice to be recognized for what you have done in the line of duty.”

The words of Errol Newton Fitzrose Allen, who is among six Vincentians to make it on to the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for 2014.{{more}}

Sir Errol received the award of Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) for his contribution to the Banking and Financial services in the country and across the region.

Allen’s service to banking and financial services in the region began almost 40 years ago, when he was appointed Manager of the Research Department of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Authority (ECCA). He was then promoted to the position as Deputy Managing Director of ECCA, and from October 1983 to March 2005, he served as the Deputy Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB).

Sir Errol, who has been described by those who know him well as a committed nationalist, is the Chair of several financial institutions around the region, including the Bank of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the Eastern Caribbean Securities Regulatory Commission, the Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission, the Eastern Caribbean Institute of Banking and the Caribbean Association of Banking and Finance Institutes. He is also Chairman of SVG Publishers and a director of Interactive Media Ltd, publishers of Searchlight.

A modest person, Sir Errol says though grateful, he was not expecting to be honoured in this manner.

“On the occasion of my retirement from the ECCB, the members of the Monetary Council were kind enough to name one of the Bank’s buildings in my honour,” he said.

“It is a gesture that made me feel proud and I was not expecting any further honour,” he continued.

Sir Errol said he is truly grateful for receiving this further recognition.

The other honourees on the New Year’s list include Bishop Benjamin Alick Augustas Samuel for services to the Christian Ministry and to the Community – he received the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).

Douglas Mc Gregor Brisbane and Robert Otway Linsell Haydock both received the award of Officer of the British Empire (OBE). Brisbane was recognized for services to Business, Horticulture and for Community Services, while Haydock received his award for service to the banking and insurance sectors and his contribution to civil society.

“I was amazed when I got a phone call telling me that they want to put me up for OBE,” Haydock told SEARCHLIGHT.

Members of the local Syrian and Lebanese community Faez Moussa and Mona Dare received the Member of the British Empire (MBE) award for their contribution to business, retail trade and community services. Acting Commissioner of Police Michael Charles also received an MBE for services to Policing, National Security and Law and Order.

Moussa, after arriving in St Vincent in 1967, said that he fell in love with the island and decided to make it his permanent residence, after leaving his home in Syria.

He opened his first business on Middle Street – a retail and wholesale business, he said, and then established himself in construction, and built a few properties.

Moussa said he became a Vincentian citizen in 1980 and he now owns a business in Middle Street — “M. Moussa and Sons Top Fashion” and operates a factory where he manufactures T-shirts and school uniforms.

“I also like to help members of the community. If people come asking for cash or for things, I give what I can afford,” Moussa said. “I live good with everybody,” he continued. He also thanked all those who had supported him over the years. (DD)