After being named in last year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours, Mr. Elihu Rhymer, BEM, was formally pinned with the British Empire Medal during an investiture ceremony at his home on Thursday morning.

His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert explained during the ceremony that the honour is a noble one and is given for excellence in public service.

Governor Jaspert said, “Across the realms of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to this day, the Queen’s Birthday and New Year’s Honours remain the principal order of chivalry in our modern democracy. In easier terms, modern-day knights.”

The Governor offered a highlight reel of the life and career of Mr. Rhymer, BEM, thus far stating that he began his career as a teacher and later rose through the ranks of the public service to become a permanent secretary. Mr. Rhymer, BEM also had many successful entrepreneurial endeavours including the Josiah’s Bay Cottages, BVI Development Consultants and Best Vacations Imaginable. In addition to the professional accomplishments, Mr. Rhymer served on boards and committees including the BVI Tourist Board and the board of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Mr. Rhymer stood with his wife Mrs. Patricia Todman Rhymer, along with other supporters including Ms. Lynette Harrigan to receive the medal on his lapel from Governor Jaspert.

“It is truly my great pleasure to bestow upon Mr. Rhymer this British Empire Medal,” Governor Jaspert said.

Mrs. Rhymer responded on her husband’s behalf and expressed that they were both delighted to see him honoured.

She said, “I think Elihu is now extremely proud, but I think he also feels like it’s about time that he was recognised for his service.”

Mrs. Rhymer went on to say that her husband’s service comes from the deep love he has for the Territory.

“He exemplifies a special kind of pride of love for his community,” she said, adding, “The British Virgin Islands is really a blessed country to have so many people of excellence willing to contribute to its continued development; but I do think that Elihu is particularly dedicated to trying to make his country the best that it could possibly be.”

In addition to family and friends, the ceremony was also attended by local dignitaries including Acting Premier Honourable Kye Rymer, Minister of Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone, Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Governor Mr. David Archer, Jr.

Photos included

Caption: Mr. Elihu Rhymer, BEM, was formally pinned with his British Empire Medal by His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert during an investiture ceremony Thursday.

Caption: (L to R) Honourable Carvin Malone, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, Honourable Kye Rymer,  Mr. Elihu Rhymer, BEM; His Excellency the Governor Augustus Jaspert and Deputy Governor David Archer Jr.