Antigua and Barbuda’s most dedicated members of society who have contributed ongoing and significant service to the development of the country received national awards and honors during the Ceremonial Parade and Awards on the 40th Anniversary of Independence last evening.
The annual event was held at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium, where patriots and family members and friends of awardees had to show their Covid-19 vaccination cards as well as another form of I.D. to accompany the original paper cards before entry.
His Excellency the Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams was given Orders for the following appointments after consultation with Prime Minister Gaston Browne:
Sir Dr. Hayden Thomas, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KGCN)
Sir Dr. Reginald Alford Walwyn, Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN)
Sir Dr. Joseph John, Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN)
Sir Robert David Shoul, Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of the Nation (KCN)
The aforementioned may now use the title of Sir before their names.
Other honors were given to:
Cora Casima Mergenthala Huggins, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Merit (GCM)
Violet Yvonne Albertha Lewis, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Merit (GCM)
Elma Benjamin, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Merit (GCM)
Felicity Richards-Aymer, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Merit (GCM)
Knackbill Nedd, Grand Cross of The Most Distinguished Order of the Merit (GCM)
Rosannette Kirby, Officer of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (OM)
Reverend Dr. Lester Washington Emanuel, Officer of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (OM)
Oliver Joseph, Officer of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (OM)
Michael Rose, Officer of The Most Illustrious Order of Merit (OM).
The Halcyon Steel Orchestra was awarded an Institutional National Honor in the Most Precious Order Princely Heritage (GOLD) for 40 years of unbroken performance at Shirley’s Height Lookout, a premiere party location in the Leeward Islands and for unquantifiable socioeconomic contribution to the Grays Green community and steel pan music in Antigua and Barbuda since its inception in n 1970, principally by the Kirby brothers of Grays Farm.
This year, the ceremonial parade was scheduled to commence at 5 pm, with members of the country’s armed forces such as the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force awaiting the arrival of the Governor General Sir Rodney Williams. Also present on the field were a small number of service organizations including The Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders, Antigua and Barbuda Girl Guides and student nurses.
A toast to 40 years of Independence was given by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams and Acting Prime Minister Hon. Steadroy Benjamin.
