Six people were honoured for their selfless contributions and commitment to the development and advancement of Montserrat this week.
They each received accolades at the 8th National Honours and Awards Ceremony, held at the Montserrat Culture Centre on Tuesday, 12 March.
The event began with a masquerade performance, the national anthem and prayer, all broadcast live on the government’s YouTube channel.
Attendees then stood for a minute’s silence in honour of Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell who died in February aged 80.
In his opening speech, Premier Joseph E Farrell said the timing of the ceremony is “most opportune” as it takes place during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
It is a time when Montserratians reflect on their rich cultural history, he said, and the day’s significance as remembrance of the slave uprising of 1768 led by Cudjoe.
He said the new awardees will enter “the pages of our history” as having given meritorious and distinguished service to the island.
The premier also spoke of the eruptions of the Soufriere Hills volcano in the 1990s and said Montserrat’s progress would not have been possible without the awardees.
“You have done yourself good,” he told them, “your families and your country.”
Presentations
Following short video biographies for each awardee, opposition leader Paul Lewis presented the Order of Merit awards.
They went to Reginald Blake in the field of fisheries, Charles Emmanuel White in private sanitation and refuse collection, and Kelvin Duberry in sports, culture, arts and education.
Deputy Premier Samuel Joseph then awarded the Order of Distinction to Bruce Farara for his ‘distinguished and outstanding contributions’ in commerce and entrepreneurship.
Premier Joseph E Farrell presented the Order of Excellence awards for ‘extraordinary and unwavering commitment, devoted and distinguished contributions’ to the island’s development.
Sarita V Francis collected the honour for her service in the field of education, environmental conservation and public service.
And Dr Yvonne Weekes collected the award in the field of education, culture and the arts.
All of the awardees gave speeches of thanks.
The night included entertainment from several performers including current Miss Teen Montserrat 2023, Claricia Rodriguez Chambers, and the Next Level Dancers.
Montserrat’s parliament passed the National Honours and Awards Act in 2013 to allow for the conferment of national honours. The first ceremony was held in 2014.
