Three Vincentians honoured at Queen’s birthday parade

Three persons were honoured last weekend, as celebrations to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee climaxed with the ceremonial Queen’s birthday parade.{{more}}

The parade, which took place at the Arnos Vale Playing Field, saw the Member of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (Civil Division) being awarded to Dwight Lewis, Herman Belmar and Murray Hadaway.

According to the citations read, Belmar was honoured for his distinguished contribution to education and the environment, especially in the Grenadines, while Lewis was awarded for his contribution to the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Cadet Force and disaster preparedness, and Hadaway for distinguished contribution to business and community service.

The men were pinned with their medals by the Governor General’s Deputy Dame Monica Dacon, who along with Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, congratulated the men on their achievement.

The parade, which is held annually in honour of the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, with the Governor General or his Deputy standing in her place, saw a special presentation by the girl guides, as well as a 21 gun salute.

Troops taking part in this year’s parade included members of the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (regular constabulary, Special Services Unit, Coastguard, Auxiliary), Cadets, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Girls and Boys brigades, Nurses, the Red Cross and Cub Scouts.

Music was provided by the Royal St Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force Band.

The event was attended by members of the Cabinet, Parliament, the Diplomatic Corps, as well as the general public.(JJ)