Six get New Year’s honours

They must have all been short listed for other awards at some point in their lives, but for six Vincentians, none could have been more special than being selected for the prestigious Queen’s New Year Honours. {{more}}

Government House announced on Saturday, December 29, 2007, that Reverend Victor Job, Owen Brisbane Jr., Jestina Charles, Commissioner of Police Keith Miller, Olsen Peters and Dawn Smith were selected to receive New Year Honours for 2008.

Rev. Job was awarded the Companion of the Order of St.Michael and St.George (C.M.G) for distinguished contribution to the Propagation of Christianity, especially Methodism in St.Vincent and the Grenadines and the Caribbean, and for his work among the poor.

Brisbane and Charles were recognized with the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E). Brisbane received his commendation for making a distinguished contribution to the Auxiliary Arm of the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, Civil Society, and Business, while Charles was honoured for a life of outstanding contribution to Social and Community Work, especially among the Youth and the Elderly.

COP Miller, Peters and Smith received the Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (M.B.E).

Miller was recognized for a distinguished contribution to Policing and the Maintenance of Law and Order, Peters for a distinguished contribution to Calypso, Music and the Music Association, and Smith, a distinguished contribution to Tourism and Catering.

“In matters of this nature, one always has a rush of emotion. I’m humbled by the award and very much appreciative of it.

“It’s not an award for me but it’s one for the whole Methodist community. The Methodist congregation has supported me over the years and it’s a matter in which I share this award with my people,” said Job, a priest for the past 19 years and father of three children, Trisha-Ann, Vicky Lyn and Victor Jr.

Rev. Job, the husband of Methalyn née Samuel, Guidance Counselor at the Buccament Bay Secondary School, said while he is happy to receive the award he doesn’t take credit for it.

“I give God the glory,” said Rev. Job.

Charles, the wife of Pastor Hollis Charles, expressed that she was feeling elated to be recognized for her efforts, even though her contribution to society was never done on the basis of reward.

“I give God all the praise,” said Charles, who has received several awards over the years. Charles’ work was first recognized by Cheryl Johnson and Theresa Daniel. Since then she has been recognized by Soroptimist International before going on to be identified as an FCIB Unsung hero, both locally and regionally.

COP Miller, a police officer since 1979, said awards such as the Queen’s Honours motivate people to “push a bit harder”. He said he is elated that Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves, Minister of National Security, recommended him for the award. However, he strongly believes that he could not have made it on his own to ensure proper policing without the support of the men and women in the Royal St.Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force.

COP Miller said having a focused and alert Minister of National Security brings out the best in him because he is propelled to lift his own standards of policing as a result of this.

Miller also used the opportunity to credit law enforcement officers in the region, especially the Coordinator of the Regional Security Service, Grantley Watson, who have always provided the necessary support.

Honours lists are published twice a year; at New Year and in mid June on the date of The Queen’s official birthday. (HN)