Ms Lynette Harrigan has been awarded an MBE from His Majesty the King for her contributions to International Travel during the COVID pandemic and to the community in the British Virgin Islands.

Lynette has dedicated the last twenty-four years to supporting and building BVI’s tourist industry. As a member of staff at the BVI tourist board, she has travelled globally to promote BVI tourism at numerous events and exhibitions, to the benefit of the local industry and economy. She has looked to diversify the industry and to encourage tourism all year round, beyond the peak months. This has included establishing more niche markets such as romance tourism and the incentive market, which focuses on companies that offer reward schemes to their workers including access to exclusive resorts.

She has provided exceptional service to hundreds of tourists and industry partners, even during the recent challenges. During Irma she offered a lifeline to international partners providing crucial updates and in COVID she assisted tourists and locals in navigating the changing and at times complex quarantine protocols and producers. She became the ‘go to’ person, working exceptionally long hours to offer around the clock assistance to resolve COVID related travel issues.

Beyond her work for the Tourist Board, Lynette also serves the wider community through her volunteer work. An example of this was following Hurricane Irma when she facilitated the safe arrival of the aid containers, which included essential baby products, medications and clothes. Lynette is also a long-standing member and a past president of the Rotary Club of Tortola and has organise numerous fundraisers for local schools, charities and vulnerable persons.

His Excellency Governor John Rankin, CMG, said: 

“Lynette is a great representative for the BVI. Over the last two decades, she has repeatedly gone above and beyond in her work for the BVI tourist board. She strove tirelessly throughout the pandemic to support travel, which was appreciated by both the industry and tourists.

 “This award rightfully recognises her outstanding achievements for tourism in the BVI, particularly through COVID, as well as her contribution to the wider community.”

Ms Harrigan said:

“I am grateful that His Majesty has bestowed the honour of the MBE on me and I shall continue to serve my community with pride and humility.

Though each day presents new challenges, I am driven to succeed and am truly appreciative of this recognition”

His Majesty The King’s Honours are awarded to individuals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) are honoured based on achievements or service which is outstanding in its field, has delivered sustained and real impact, and which stands out as an example to others.