Newly honoured Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) Gideon Raymond Browne says he is not about to pack up and call it quits, just because he has been recognized by Her Majesty the Queen.{{more}}

“I’m still a young man. I have more in me to give.”

The 53-year-old young man was cited for his services to construction and the private sector in the New Year’s Honours List for 2013.

He said that upon receiving the information that he was to be honoured, it was a proud and great feeling, but at the same time, it was not an unexpected accolade.

“In this world, as long as you work hard, you are exposed to anything and I knew that…. I will tell you that over the years, everybody know that Gideon Browne is a hardworking man and it didn’t come to me by no surprise….

“God has given me a lot of wisdom, and I thank God for that, and over the years everybody could actually see what Mr Browne has done,” he said.

Browne has been associated with the construction industry for more than thirty years.

Starting out as a draftsman employed with government and the Mustique developers, Browne then moved to private work, first into construction, then to developing, and then as a supplier.

He is the owner of Browne’s Hardware, Browne’s Manufacturing and Browne Construction Company. He is also a major shareholder in a cell phone company based in St Lucia.

His enterprises employ more than 70 persons nationwide.

The married father of five credited hard work over the years for the intentional recognition he has received, and said that he is not about to rest on his laurels anytime soon.

“I’m not only preparing for my children, I am also preparing for my grands too, Browne said.

I’m not about to pack it up right now. It needs me and more Gideon Brownes in order to make the country move forward,” he added.(JJ)