The Virgin Islands has renewed its commitment to Her Majesty the Queen at the official celebration of her birthday on Saturday, June 13.

Parliamentary officers led the parade from the Road Town Police Station to the Festival Grounds where His Excellency the Governor Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE inspected all units on display.

Governor Duncan acknowledged the vast diversity of British Empire and its willingness to unite as one and pledged allegiance to the Queen during her annual birthday celebrations.  He shared a letter he wrote to the Queen on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands.

The Governor said, “On behalf of all her Majesty’s Loyal Subjects, in the Virgin Islands, I am delighted to convey our good wishes and most loyal and affectionate greetings on the occasion of your Majesty’s birthday.  As Your Majesty will be aware from our recent discussion at Buckingham Palace, your loyal subjects remain much attached to remaining a British Overseas Territory, and we are pleased to renew this year the longstanding tradition of an annual gift of a pound of salt from Salt Island.”

Buckingham Palace, on behalf of the Queen, responded, “Her Majesty much appreciates your kind words and was delighted to receive this year the gift of a pound of salt from Salt Island, and is in favour of renewing this longstanding tradition dating back to Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and reaffirming the long standing link between the people of the Virgin Islands and the Crown.”

As part of the day’s activities, officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Service (VIFRS) and Her Majesty’s Prisons (HMP) were presented with medals for long service and good conduct.

Seven officers from the RVIPF received medals in honour of their years of service. Five officers received the First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 25 years of service, and two officers received the Second Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 30 years of service.  

Two officers from the VIFRS received the Overseas Territories Fire Services Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 18 years of service and two officers will receive First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Fire Services Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 25 years of service.

Four Officers from HMP received the Overseas Territories Prison Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 18 years of service.

The official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is held annually on the second Saturday in June.

NOTES 

The following officers received awards for their service.

Overseas Territories Police Forces Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 years

·         Inspector Marlon Leopold Charles

·         Sergeant Gwendolee B. Barzey

·         Sergeant Tilda Victoria Henry

·         Sergeant Karen Marisa Vanterpool

·         Sergeant Sylise Sylistya S. Vanterpool

First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Forces Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct –30 years

·         Deputy Commissioner Alwin Augustine James

·         Sergeant Simon Michael Gilbert

Second Clasp to Overseas Territories Fire Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 years

·         Sub Officer Marcus E. Malone

·         Fire Officer Elgin E. Johnson

First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Fire Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 years

·         Fire Officer Dayron Baronville

·         Fire Officer Roy Thomas

Overseas Territories Prison Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 years

·         Sergeant Jacqueline Henley

·         Sergeant Beresford McLeary

·         Matron Jacqueline Lake Bell

·         Prison Officer II Nigel Dore