Retirees Honoured at Annual Recognition Ceremony

Press Release

Organisation:

Release Date: 15 June, 2026

147 public officers who retired from 2020-2022 were recently honoured at a ceremony on Saturday 23rd May, 2026 held under the theme “Planted in Service, Blooming with Honour.”

The event was chaired by Dr. Arliene T. Penn, Legal and Regulatory Analyst at the Attorney General’s Chambers, who guided the programme throughout. Retirees heard congratulatory remarks from the Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, Mr. David D. Archer Jr., and Deputy Director of Human Resources (Ag.), Ms. Cara Christopher. The event also featured Dr. Connie E. George, Director of the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, as guest speaker.

Deputy Governor Archer said “Our retirees represent some of the pioneers of the Public Service. Through their years of service, they helped to build strong foundations, uphold important standards and set the tone for excellence across departments and ministries. We honour their contributes and rightfully pause to celebrate them.”

Deputy Director of Human Resources, Ms. Cara Christoper (Ag.) said, “Retirement marks the close of one meaningful chapter and the beginning of another.” The Department of Human Resources remains committed to supporting officers as they prepare for and enter retirement, ensuring that transition into their new chapter is seamless, respectful and they truly feel honoured for their years of service.”

As part of the tribute, the retirees received a specially engraved crystal ornament expressing gratitude for their years of service. Attendees also paused to also recognise public officers who recently passed away. Their names are: Avril Smith-Barry (Retired 2020), Darier George (Retired 2021) and Shona Bertrand (Retired 2021).

During her featured remarks Dr. Connie E. George, said that we should honour those who retired during the COVID-19 Pandemic and reassured that their work was seen and appreciated. She also highlighted that retirement isn’t a conclusion, but simply a path to new experiences, passions and possibilities, while encouraging the retirees to continue to learn and grow while exchanging wisdom with the younger generation.

Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE offered welcoming remarks to the retirees, and Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Mrs. Carolyn Soutt-Igwe spoke on behalf of Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natlaio D. Wheatley.

This year’s hosting of the Retiree Recognition Ceremony marks the return of the of the event since being paused in 2019 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Hosted by the Government of the Virgin Islands through the Department of Human Resources and the Employee Relations Unit, it aims to honour recent retirees from the Public Service for their dedication to the development of the Virgin Islands.

The government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to supporting retirees as they make this important transition in their life.

The retired public officers are: