Two Antiguan and Barbudan natives have been awarded for their service to the country in the 2021 New Years Honor list for Queen Elizabeth.
The London Gazette, Supplement No 6 of December 30, 2020 officially announced the Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honors List in the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division).
Throughout history, monarchs have rewarded those who have shown service, loyalty or gallantry with gifts or titles. Honors are usually awarded by Her Majesty The Queen on her New Year’s and Birthday List to fifteen (15) Commonwealth Nations, including Antigua and Barbuda on the advice of the Government.
Recipients can either elect to receive their insignia at an investiture ceremony in the UK, officiated by Her Majesty The Queen, another Member of the Royal Family or locally by the Governor General.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II approved two awards for Antigua and Barbuda with the highest, Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) going to Hugh Charlesworth Marshall Snr and the other, the Order of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) to John Michael Petrie for services to Antigua and Barbuda.
Hugh Marshall Snr. who is the father of government minister Samantha Marshall, served Antigua and Barbuda as a Parliamentary Secretary from 1976 – 1980 when he was elected to the lower house as a Member of Parliament. He was later appointed as a Minister of Government until 1994.
Marshall was actively involved in national development for many years and made a number of significant contributions such as the inclusion of a clause in the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda to enable the transfer of citizenship to grandchildren; the development of a number of major tourism properties which are still thriving; the introduction of the still successful State Insurance Corporation and the OECS Stock Market.
As Minister of Trade, he led the charge in establishing Antigua and Barbuda’s first Industrial Park and was instrumental in producing Antigua and Barbuda’s largest quantum of non-sugar exports to date. Marshall Sr. CBE is now an official member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Services to Antigua and Barbuda.
The other awardee John Michael Petrie has gone above and beyond the call of duty in his service to his
fellowmen through his contribution to civil society such as the St John’s Ambulance and to Governors-General across six Commonwealth Caribbean and African nations.
More specifically, Petrie has served as Genealogist to the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda for anumber of years and has provided expert advice on matters relating to the crown, the national honors system, protocol, relations between the Palace and the Office of the Governor General and theGovernment House Restoration Initiative.
On numerous occasions, Petrie’s philanthropic services have been of great benefit to Government House and Antigua and Barbuda by extension.
Petrie OBE is now an official member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for Services to Antigua and Barbuda.
Following the publication, The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams formally extended heartiest congratulations to the recipients and expressed his appreciation for their services to the nation.
