The three recipients for the 2017 BVI Badge of Honour received their awards at an investiture ceremony held on March 2.

Dr. Patricia Turnbull, Mrs. Rubena Matthias-Fraser and Mr. Terrence “Chino” Chinnery were recognised for their years of patriotic service at a ceremony hosted by His Excellency the Governor Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE at Government House.  The Governor pinned each recipient with the Badge of Honour and read the certificate in the name of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.

His Excellency congratulated the recipients on being presented with the prestigious award and spoke of the importance of recognising those committed to improving the community.

“In a world increasingly dominated by celebrity culture, it is important that we recognise, honour and celebrate those in our community who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of society,” His Excellency said.

Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said he was pleased to bear witness to the occasion to officially recognise the dedication, hard work, passion, support and love of the honourees to the people of the BVI.

Premier Smith said “I know that you three have acted not for any personal agenda, but truly because of your love for this Territory and its people.  The badge of honour shows our appreciation today, for the vast contributions each of you have made over many years.”

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the BVI Honours Committee Mrs. Rosalie Adams said she was gratified to be a part of a committee which rewards persons who make valuable contributions to the community.

Mrs. Adams said, “I thank you all for the services that you continue to render to this community and I encourage you to continue to be bright beacons to those who are looking on, especially to our young people. It is hoped that they would grasp this noble concept of giving back to the society in which we live.”

The Chairman added, “The BVI National Pledge reads in part. ‘I pledge to render patriotic service.’ You who are here today and those mentioned in your programme, continue to do just that.”

Dr. Patricia Turnbull’s biography states that she is a phenomenal writer and teacher, and has long been a stalwart of the BVI’s literary landscape.  More recently, she has contributed to the understanding of the Territory’s past and has committed herself to further develop Virgin Islands literature.

Mrs. Rubena Matthias-Fraser is said to be a dedicated Virgin Islander who began a soup kitchen which became an outreach Ministry for her church.  She started out by taking the sole responsibility for the purchasing, preparing and delivering of the soup to the elderly and less fortunate persons in the community.

Mr. Terrence ‘Chino’ Chinnery has guided young people into adulthood to become socially, emotionally, well-adapted, independent and productive young citizens.  He has a passion for sports and nurtures a network of coaches and recruiters to create opportunities for promising players.  He paved the way for students who did not excel or attain a high school diploma by ensuring they enrolled in a High School programme in the United States.

The BVI Badge of Honour is presented to a Virgin Islander, or a person who has been a resident in the British Virgin Islands for not less than 10 years prior to nomination for the award and who has been an entrepreneur of goods and or services over a long period (20 years or more). The individual must be a pioneer in the field having contributed significantly to the improvement of living conditions and the economy in the Territory.  This person may have given notable humanitarian service to others in the community for a significant number of years on a voluntary basis.  The recipient of this award should also be a respectable, law-abiding citizen.

 (Photo Credit:  GIS/Mr. Ronnielle Frazer)

Photo 1  (from left to right) - Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE; 2017 BVI Badge of Honour recipients - Mrs. Rubena Matthias-Fraser, Terrence ‘Chino’ Chinnery and Dr. Patricia Turnbull; Deputy Governor and Chairman of the BVI Honours Committee Mrs. Rosalie Adams and His Excellency the Governor John S. Duncan, OBE.

Photo 2 - Mr. Terrence ‘Chino’ Chinnery receiving the Badge of Honour from His Excellency the Governor Mr. John S. Duncan, OBE