His Excellency the Governor Augustus J.U. Jaspert explained at the ceremony that while the tradition is to hold a grand birthday celebration and parade in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s official birthday, this year’s event was significantly scaled back to allow for adequate social distancing in keeping with COVID-19 best practices.

Governor Jaspert said, “This is not a normal ceremony with the full parade and celebration that we would have to mark the official birthday of Her Majesty the Queen, but it gives me great pleasure that we have adapted, that we can ensure that in a safe, socially distanced way, we are still able to mark the birthday of our sovereign.”

The Governor added, “Recognising loyal service was an ideal way to observe the occasion. There is no more fitting way to mark her 94 years of dedicated service to the public across the world than to recognise and award medals to those here who have dedicated their lives to service as well.”

The ceremony was also attended by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew Fahie; Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent Wheatley; Minister for Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture, Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley; and Deputy Governor David Archer, Jr. and others.

The full list of honourees is as follows:

Overseas Territories Police Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 18 Years

Constable Terry Humphrey, Constable Andy Lawrence, Constable Clyde Potter, Constable Curtis Roberts

Constable Shem Stay, Sergeant Calvin Cockburn, Sergeant Jason Harford, Inspector Saif Kaddoura,

First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 25 Years

Auxiliary Juline Lloyd, Sergeant Janet Mitchell

Second Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 30 Years

Inspector Ernest Gumbs

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

Prison Officer Trevor Lyle, Prison Officer John Rodney, Prison Officer Euris Thomas

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

Leading Fire Officer Benson Thomas

Second Clasp to the Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct – 30 Years

Fire Officer Roy Thomas, Fire Officer Dayron Baronville