Three persons will receive the BVI Badge of Honour for their outstanding contribution to the development of the Virgin Islands.

   His Excellency the Governor, John S. Duncan, OBE after consultation with the Premier, Dr. the Hon D. Orlando Smith, OBE and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon R. T. O’ Neal, OBE accepted the recommendation of the BVI Honours Committee that Mrs. Marlene Penn-Trotman, Mr. Clarence Cecil Thomas and Mr. Reynell V.Frazer be awarded at an Investiture Ceremony to be held in their honour at Government House on December 9.

The Badge of Honour is presented to a Virgin Islander, or a person who has been an ordinary resident in the British Virgin Islands for not less than 10 years prior to the date of the award, and who has provided entrepreneurial goods and or services within the Territory for over 20 years; or served as an outstanding public servant with a notable degree of integrity and a high standard of service.

Honouree Mrs. Marlene Penn- Trotman served in many capacities in the British Virgin Islands.  Her many achievements include the foundation of the Family Support Network. This non-profit organisation assists individuals, couples and families affected by domestic violence. Mrs Penn-Trotman served as the Chairperson of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Prison Visiting Committee during the period 2012-2013.  In 2010 she was a member of the Ministry of Health’s National Policy on Aging Committee, and its Food and Nutrition Committee where she was an advocate for seniors and healthy living. 

Mr. Clarence Cecil Thomas is a BVIslander who has been formally trained as a plumber by the US Government in the 1950s, and has contributed significantly to the Territory.   He is credited with ensuring that the young men under his management and in this community were also properly trained as plumbers.  In 1965 he formed the business that is known today as Clarence Thomas Home Centre, a business that has helped to meet the needs of the community as the Territory developed

Mr. Reynell V. Frazer commenced his service to this Territory as an educator in the late 1960s before enlisting in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force in November 1973 as a Constable.  He worked his way through the ranks and eventually elevated to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police in 2005.  He retired on 30^th June, 2013 but can still be seen volunteering his service in all government primary schools counselling the students of this Territory and steering them away from criminality.

The BVI Badge of Honour award is also presented to persons who may have performed a life threatening act of bravery; given notable humanitarian service to others in the community for a significant number of years; given meritorious voluntary service in Non-Governmental Organisations, or exceptional business or professional service to the community; and has been instrumental in bringing about significant changes within the public service.  Additionally, the recipient must be a respectable, law abiding citizen and will not be barred to recommendation based on the possession of other honours.

The BVI Honours Committee, is appointed by Cabinet, and is responsible for identifying persons in the community for the honour.  Once the committee has identified individuals, the names are then submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval, then to the Leader of the Opposition for his approval. His Excellency the Governor makes the final decision based on the recommendations received.