Former Acting Permanent Secretary Mrs. Monica Allen is the Territory’s newest recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) award from Her Majesty the Queen.

Mrs. Allen was presented the insignia and the Royal Warrant at an investiture ceremony on June 15 by His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J. U. Jaspert.

Governor Jaspert said, “My warmest congratulations go to Mrs. Monica Allen on receiving the BEM for her long standing dedication and service to the community.  Her unwavering generosity and commitment to uplift and mentor those in need is a great source of pride for all Virgin Islanders.”

Mrs Allen is said to have contributed tirelessly to the Virgin Islands for over 50 years.  She retired from the Public Service after 25 years of service which culminated with her appointment as Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works. 

She served on various boards including Secretary to the Public Service Commission, Member of the Disaster Preparedness Committee, Chairperson of the Ships Entertainment Committee and member of the Gender Affairs Committee.

In the presence of family, friends and Government officials, Mrs. Allen said, “Never in my wildest dreams did I ever entertain the thought or even envisage an occasion such as this.  I should say here, with God all things are possible and to him I give the glory for this recognition.”        

She said she was grateful for the opportunity to say thank you to all the persons she encountered and in some way influenced.  “There are many who in turn have become leaders and service oriented in this community” she added.

Mrs. Allen’s volunteering spirit is said to have been extended to her family, colleagues and the greater community and she held positions including President of the Lioness Club, Tortola Ladies Club and Chairperson of the Parish Council of the Catholic Church.

Following her retirement from the Civil Service, Mrs. Allen worked in the USA as the East Coast representative of the BVI Tourist Board for seven years.  She is described as a model citizen whose significant contribution to the Territory is invaluable.

The Queen’s honours system recognises individuals who have made achievements in public life, committed themselves to serving and helping their community, or have been outstanding at what they do and have stood out as examples to other people.

The British Empire Medal, formerly British Empire Medal for Meritorious Service, is a medal awarded for meritorious civil or military service worthy of recognition by the Crown.  The current honour was created in 1922 to replace the original medal, which was established in 1917 as part of the Order of the British Empire.

Photos attached – Photo Credit:  (GIS/Mr. Ronnielle Frazer)

• Photograph #1 - Excellency the Governor, Mr. Augustus J. U. Jaspert presents the insignia and the Royal Warrant to Mrs. Monica Allen, BEM in a gathering of family, friends and government officials.

• Photograph #2 - Queen’s honour recipient, Mrs. Monica Allen, BEM is flanked by the Acting Premier Honourable Mark Vanterpool, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert and Deputy Governor Mr. David D. Archer, Jr.