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Contact:
Amanda Faye Clarke
Tuesday, November 17, 2009 – Twelve St. Lucians have received the
prestigious 2009 Birthday Honours Awards from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the
second.
The bestowal of this honour by the Sovereign upon awardees from all walks of
life, has been an integral part of the British Monarchy for more than 650 years.
Speaking at the Investiture Ceremony at Government House yesterday, Prime
Minister Honourable Stephenson King said this year's recipients represent a crop
of nationals dedicated to outstanding achievements and selfless service to Saint
Lucia.
“You have truly deserved our country's recognition and honour. You have paid us
a great tribute with your life's work and you have been honoured for your
vision, professionalism, dynamism, passion and commitment; your extra-ordinary
talents and exemplary leadership have benefited us all.”
The prime minister said Saint Lucians must re-establish a culture of community
togetherness, a value he believes will go a long way in restoring brotherhood,
and social prosperity on the island.
“Saint Lucia today need men and women who uphold these basic life principles. If
by our virtues and values and our commitment to national pride, we are to engage
ourselves in acts of helping rather than receiving, building instead of breaking
down, offering solutions instead of constant criticism, Saint Lucia will develop
into a much stronger nation, where our people live united,” the prime minister
said.
Of this year's twelve awardees, eight received their medals from Dame Pearlette
Louisy yesterday.
Martha Francis Biscette, Verena Marcelle Felicien, Benedicte Martha Nelson,
David Hutchinson and Gilbert John Popo, received the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Justin Albert Barthelmy and Horace Denis Walters were awarded the Member of the
British Empire Medal(MBE) and Eldrige Stephens received the highest recognition
as Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of the Most Excellent Order of the
British Empire (OBE).
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