Government House announced today that Her Majesty the Queen has graciously conferred honours on the under-mentioned persons for exemplary services to the country in the Birthday Honours List 2010:-
THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE
KNIGHT COMMANDER (KCMG) HONORARY
Mr. Solomon Kerzner
In recognition of outstanding and exemplary contribution in the area of business and for community service.
COMPANION - (CMG)
Mr. Warren Levarity
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service in the areas of government and community service.
Monsignor Preston Moss
In recognition of stellar and dedicated service in the areas of religion, religious education and community development.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE COMMANDER (CBE)
Mr. Alphonso Robert Elliot
In recognition of long and dedicated service to the community and in the area of business.
OFFICER (O.B.E.)
Reverend Kenris Carey
In recognition of long and dedicated service to the community and in the area of religion.
Bishop B. Wenith Davis
In recognition of distinguished and outstanding service in the areas of religion, education and the community.
Mr. William E. “Billy” Lowe
In recognition of long and dedicated service to the Church and contribution in the areas of business and community service.
Reverend Vernon Moses
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service in the areas of religion and religious education.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THEBRITISH EMPIRE MEMBER (M.B.E.)
Mr. Marvin Vernon Bethell
In recognition of dedicated service to the Church and in the areas of business and community service.
Mr. Alfred Bismark Coakley
In recognition of outstanding service to the community and in the area of business.
Mrs. Susan Gail Holowesko-Larson
In recognition of outstanding contribution in the areas of community service and the conservation and preservation of the environment
Mr. David Pinder
In recognition of outstanding contribution to the people of the Bahamas.
Mrs. Elaine Ann Pinder
In recognition of outstanding service to the community, particularly to the disadvantaged, and also in the area of business.
Mrs. Susan Roberts
In recognition of long and dedicated service to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas and to many Bahamians throughout the country.
Reverend Ralph Russell
In recognition of long and dedicated service in the areas of business and religion.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) (CIVIL DIVISION)
Ms. Cleomie Hilda Antonio
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the Church and the community.
Mrs. Betty Brenda Archer
In recognition of dedicated service to the Church and the community.
Mr. James Wilfred Dean
In recognition of long and dedicated service to the community and in the area of business.
Ms. Claretta Duncombe
In recognition of outstanding service in the areas of nursing, the advancement of women, and the community.
Mr. Emmett Munroe
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the country as a Mailboat Captain and Entrepreneur.
Mrs. Arlene Nash Ferguson
In recognition of long and dedicated service in the area of education.
Ms. Olivia Turnquest
In recognition of long and dedicated service in the area of education and to the community.
Reverend John C. Wallace
In recognition of outstanding service to religion and the community.
Ms. Erma Williams
In recognition of outstanding contribution for the advancement of women and to the community.
THE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL (QPM)
Mr. Marvin Dames
Deputy Commissioner of Police
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Mr. Quinn McCartney
In recognition of outstanding and dedicated service to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE NASSAU, THE BAHAMAS
FRIDAY, 11TH JUNE, 2010
BACKGROUND NOTES BIRTHDAY HONOURS, 2010
THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE
KNIGHT COMMANDER (KCMG) HONORARY
Mr. Solomon Kerzner
A native of South Africa and Permanent Residence of the Bahamas, Mr. Solomon Kerzner is the founder of the Kerzner International Franchise in the Bahamas. He acquired Resort’s International properties on Paradise Island in 1994. Over the past 16 years, the resort has been transformed into the premier vacation destination in the Caribbean region, including the signature Atlantis Resort, the 6-star One and Only Ocean Club, spectacular marina facilities, championship golf course, high-end vacation residence club and exclusive residential enclave. As owner and operator of almost 25% of all hotel rooms in the Bahamas, Kerzner International and its Atlantis brand are the dominant force in the tourism industry. It is also the largest private sector employer in the Bahamas engaging some 5% of the employed labour force. Further, Mr. Kerzner and his corporation are important philanthropic contributors to charities, cultural festivals and other community and education development projects in the Bahamas.
Solomon Kerzner’s career in tourism began in his native South Africa where he acquired his first hotel in 1962. By 1979, he was responsible for the most ambitious resort development in South Africa, the five-star Sun City Resort. His hotel holdings expanded to Mauritius prior to his venture into the Bahamas in 1994. Since then, he has invested in resort and gaming facilities in North America, the Maldives, Morocco and Dubai.
Recognized internationally as a leader among tourist resort and casino owners, developers and operators, Mr. Kerzner was the first non-American to be admitted to the USA’s Family Hall of Fame in 1992. In 1999, he was awarded the FEDHASA Lifetime Achievement Award. This was followed by the Anger Gabrielle Award for distinguished corporate and philanthropic leadership in 2003; the Innovation Award granted by the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific, Hong Kong in 2004; the international Hotelier of the Year Award, Las Vegas Hotel and Restaurant Show and the University of Johannesburg Ellen Kurwago Council Award, 2007, and the HSMAI Albert E. Koehl Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010.
THE MOST DISTINGUISHED ORDER OF SAINT MICHAEL AND SAINT GEORGE
COMPANION (CMG)
Mr. Warren Levarity
Mr. Warren Levarity, an accountant by profession, entered politics in the 1960’s during the Bahamas’ struggle for majority rule. He became a Member of Parliament in the opposition party during which time he gave excellent support to his constituents in the Family Island. Later, when majority rule became a reality, Mr. Levarity was made Minister of Out Island Affairs in the first Cabinet of the governing party, the Progressive Liberal Party. In 1971, he became one of the founding fathers of the Free National Movement. He went on to serve his community for some twenty more years before retirement.
Monsignor Preston Moss
Monsignor Preston Moss was ordained a priest in 1965 and served as Assistant Pastor and Pastor in various Parishes. He also served as Chancellor of the Diocese, Vicar General of the Diocese and Rector of the Cathedral. In addition to his Church duties, Msgr. Moss has held directorships in various organisations including the Antilles Pastoral Institute, the Pontifical Aids Society, the Antilles Episcopal Ecumenical Commission, the Diocesan Family Life Commission and the Diocesan Pastoral Team. His civic contributions involve Director of the Bank of The Bahamas, membership in the National Drug Council, the National Tourism Awards Committee, the Catholic School Board and St. Augustine’s College School Board, Co-Chairman of the Bahamas Order of Merit Committee and Chaplain of the Senate of The Bahamas.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THEBRITISH EMPIRE
COMMANDER (CBE)
Mr. Alphonso Robert Elliot
Mr. Alphonso Elliot began work as an electrician at Ray’s Electric Company before joining the Engineering Department of the Princess Margaret Hospital. Later, he was employed as the Relief Manager at Bahamas Industrial Gases where he gained international experience when he was sent to work in Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts, Tortola and the US Virgin Islands. Mr. Elliot and his business partner established the Bahamas Welding and Fire Co. in 1972. He also owns Island Gas Ltd., Freeport Gas Ltd. and Alarms Ltd. Mr. Elliot gives generously to community and civic organisations such as the Bahamas Red Cross and contributes quietly to many cultural organisations. He is an active member of his Church and is a Meritorious Council Member of the Free National Movement Party.
OFFICER (O.B.E.)
Reverend Kenris Carey
Reverend Kenris Carey has been a Lay Preacher in the Methodist Church for more than 30 years. She served as Vice-President and the first female President of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church. She has also served on the Presidium of the World Council of Churches as a Vice-President of Board of Evangelism, and on the Juvenile Panel of the Bahamas Government for many years. Reverend Carey was ordained in January, 2009 and currently serves as the Minister in charge of the South Eleuthera Churches. She has the distinction of President Emeritus of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church.
OFFICER (O.B.E.)
Bishop B. Wenith Davis
Bishop B. Wenith Davis began his religious life as a youngster in “Grant”, a little town in the settlement of Mangrove Cay, Andros. He started the Zion South Beach Ministries in New Providence in 1979 after his seminary training and ordination in November, 1978. Bishop Davis’ professional life has afforded him the opportunity to extensively serve the Bahamian people. He has served as: Customs Officer, Customs Department; Teacher and Head of Department, Ministry of Education; Vice Principal, Jordan Prince Williams High School; Founding Member and Vice-Principal, Bahamas Baptist College; Founding Member and Academic Dean, Bahamas Baptist Community College and evening Lecturer at local institutes. Bishop Davis is a lecturer at the Annual Session of The Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Conference. He has become well known for his administrative skills in Church Leadership Conference and inter-church workshops. He was officially appointed to the position of Bishop of Global Affairs for the Full Gospel Baptist Fellowship in February, 2005.
Zion South Beach Ministries gives assistance to the community and indeed to The Bahamas, in the form of scholarships, medical care, mortgages, personal loans, the provision of school uniforms and new and used clothing. Bishop Davis’ wife, Pastor Ismae Davis, works closely with the Ministry. The Zion Christian School was birthed out of the vision of Bishop Davis and it offers quality education to hundreds of students. The Media Ministry of Zion continues to reach the masses with a weekly radio broadcast.
Mr. William E. “Billy” Lowe
Mr. William E. Lowe known as “Billy” Lowe, began his career at a young age when he saw the opportunity and the need in the community for a pharmacy that would carry a variety of supplies including prescription and non-prescription drugs and other medical supplies. Over the years, he has expanded this successful and well-known business to five locations and has added a wholesale drug agency. Additionally, he has ventured as a partner in many other businesses in The Bahamas. Mr. Lowe is an active member of his Church where he contributes generously of his resources. He is also known for his generous contributions to various charities.
OFFICER (O.B.E.)
Reverend Vernon Moses
Reverend Vernon Moses was ordained in the Assemblies of God Faith in 1959. He has served in various capacities in the Churches throughout the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and internationally. He has held the positions of Pastor, Bible Teacher, Director and Lecturer at the Assemblies of God Bible College, Presbyter, General Presbyter, Secretary and Treasurer of the Assemblies of God, and finally Superintendent of the Assemblies of God in the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. During his tenure as Superintendent, Reverend Moses initiated revisions to the Church’s constitution and worked to improve the Church’s organisational structure, implemented a revision of the school curriculum and assisted in establishing the national outreach radio ministry. In 2001, his contributions were recognised by the Church when he received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Richmond Virginia Seminary.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
MEMBER (M.B.E.)
Mr. Marvin Vernon Bethell
Mr. Marvin Vernon Bethell joined J.S. Johnson & Co. Ltd. in 1969 and became Managing Director of that insurance company in 1989. He is a member of Bahamas General Insurance Association and a Director of Insurance Company of The Bahamas Ltd. Mr. Bethel’s civic contributions include his Directorships in Bahamas Waste Ltd. and the Bank of the Bahamas Ltd. He is involved with the Rotary Club of South East Nassau, where he became a Paul Harris Fellow, and is currently the President-elect. Dedicated to his Church, Mr. Bethell serves as Trustee and Assistant Chairperson of the Board of Governors of the Church’s School, Queen’s College. He is Past Treasurer and Director of the Board of Finance and Property of the Bahamas Conference of the Methodist Church, and currently serves as a Member of its Finance Division.
Mr. Alfred Bismark Coakley
Mr. Coakley is one of the founding members of the Sunshine Groups of Companies (Sunshine Boys) which was established in 1969. He is a member of St. Agnes Anglican Church, Baillou Hill Road. Mr. Coakley is also Chairman of the Crippled Children Committee; Past President of the Rotary Club, West Nassau; the Anglican Church Men Council; and Past Grand Master, Prince Hall Masonic Lodge. He is the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award.
Mrs. Susan Gail Holowesko-Larson
Mrs. Susan Larson began her stellar career at the Bahamas National Trust where she served as Education Officer, Director of Education and Deputy Director of the Trust. Over a 24 year period, she participated in strategic planning, developed grant proposals, provided guidance for Government policies relative to the environment and implemented the highly acclaimed National Conservation Educational Programme for Bahamian youth. Mrs. Larson is currently the Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Ride for Hope Bahamas, which benefits cancer patients and cancer research in The Bahamas. In addition, she chaired several fora on various aspects of the environment, has authored and been a co-editor for several publications; and serves on several civic and community organiations, including the Board of Directors of St. Andrew’s School, President of the Parents/Teachers’ Association of the St. Andrew’s School; the Board of Director of Port New Providence Owners Association; Member of the Communication and Education Commission and World Commission on Protected Areas and IUCN – the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
MEMBER (M.B.E.)
Mr. David Pinder
Mr. David Pinder worked in his father’s business before realising his dream to become an entrepreneur in a virtually new market in the construction industry. Over the years, he has developed and operated a thriving business and was the first person to produce pre-cast concrete septic tanks and expanded the tile industry, roofing and ornamental block industry. An unassuming individual, he has quietly contributed to many charities and cultural and community organisations over the years. His business, known for quality products at affordable prices, has assisted many to find employment as well as to build homes at reasonable costs.
Mrs. Elaine Ann Pinder
Mrs. Elaine Ann Pinder began her illustrious career as a teacher and guidance counselor in the public school system. However, armed with a new idea, she left the profession to enter the field of business which today includes two exclusive clothing stores, a well known fast food business at five locations that is set to become international, and a five star gourmet restaurant scheduled to opening in September 2010. Mrs. Pinder is as generous as she is successful. In an effort to assist, and in gratitude to long-serving employees, Mrs. Pinder conveyed real estate with utilities in place, as gifts to each of the employees. Further, she is a contributor to such organisations as The Red Cross, The Ranfurly Home for Children, The Gentleman’s Club, The Police Association, Churches, schools and various junkanoo groups. She is particularly concerned with helping the disadvantaged and has contributed to agencies that assist children with AIDS, with transforming youth gangs into “gangs of achievers”, as well as to individual families. Her latest initiative, “Women Who Care”, will be instrumental in urban renewal projects. She is an active member of her Church in which she participates in the outreach ministries.
Mrs. Susan Roberts
Mrs. Susan Roberts has been a founding member, the President, and now, the guiding light of the Cancer Society of The Bahamas for more than 33 years. She has selflessly given of her financial resources to create and sustain an organisation which has become one of the most important associations in the country. Her work with the sick and dying is known throughout the country. Her work in Harbour Island and Eleuthera as well as other islands, brought aid and comfort to countless people in need. She is loved, admired and well-respected.
THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
MEMBER (M.B.E.)
Reverend Ralph Russell
Reverend Ralph Russell has contributed invaluably to the country in the area of business and religion. He is the co-founder of the first Funeral Home, Russell’s and Pinder’s Funeral Home in Grand Bahama which was established in 1962.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL - (BEM) (CIVIL DIVISION)
Ms. Cleomie Hilda Antonio
Ms. Cleomie Hilda Antonio has served for many years in numerous Catholic charities such as the Roman Catholic Benevolent Association, the Sisters of Charity and with the Benedictine Fathers. She has received many awards for her charitable service to the Church. Ms. Antonio is also an accomplished musician and played the clarinet as a member of the Roman Catholic Band. Despite being very active in the Church, Ms. Antonio has found time to make civic contributions and is a founding member and Past President of the Woman’s Association of the Free National Movement Party and Meritorious Council Member of that organisation.
Mrs. Betty Brenda Archer
Mrs. Brenda Archer began her career at a very young age and remained in business until she retired as the Director of Human Resources in a company in which she had worked for 26 years. In addition to her professional career, Mrs. Archer is very active in the life of her Church as an organist with responsibility for all parish services, weddings and funerals. She has also been instrumental in the development of the choirs and the music ministry of the Parish and currently serves as President of the Music Ministry. She has served as secretary to the Vestry, Diocesan Synod delegate, and Chairman of the Church’s annual bazaar. Mrs. Archer is involved in civic organisations, including Past President of the Women’s Association of the Free National Movement, Vice-Chairman and Past Executive of the Party. She has worked in the administration at the Party’s Headquarters. She is also a member of the Rum Cay Association and past President.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) (CIVIL DIVISION)
Mr. James Wilfred Dean
Mr. James Wilfred Dean began working as a seaman on his father’s boats at the age of 13. In The Bahamas, which is an archipelago, fishing and the mailboat system were critical to the livelihood of Family Island communities. It is through mailboats that Family Islanders made a living and had a means of transportation and communication with other islands. Over the course of his career, Mr. Dean has worked on, owned and captained mail boats, and has created a thriving fishing and processing business which exports seafood to countries outside of The Bahamas. His businesses have provided jobs for many persons in the community. He has served on various Governmental Boards and Committees and has been a Councilor on the Sandy Point Abaco Local Government Council. He is currently a member of the Fisheries Advisory Board.
Ms. Claretta Duncombe
Ms. Claretta Duncombe began her career as a Registered Nurse. She subsequently left nursing and became an Office Administrator in Deloitte and Touche where she worked for 32 years. Ms. Duncombe has been recognised as a person who works tirelessly for the advancement of women in every aspect of business, professional and public life. She is one of the founding members of the Women’s Association of the Free National Movement Party.
Mr. Emmett Munroe
Mr. Emmett Munroe was born in Ragged Island and has sailed vessels trading between Ragged Island, Cuba and Haiti. He worked for the late Sir Roland Symonette, transporting materials for road works in the 1970’s. He operated a tugboat for Sir Durward Knowles in Nassau Harbour in 1987. Captain Munroe and his uncle purchased their first mail boat and named it the “Emmett and Cephas”. In 1995, he and his two sons formed the Munson Shipping Company at which time they purchased the M.V. Cherise. They acquired the Mailboat the “Island Link” in 2004. Captain Munroe is the owner of the “Wash Bowl” on Ida Street, which has been in operation for many years. Since his retirement in 2006, his two sons operate the business.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) (CIVIL DIVISION)
Mrs. Arlene Nash Ferguson
Mrs. Arlene Ferguson, a veteran educator, served in the field of education for more than 24 years, during which time she held the positions of Senior Mistress at the Government High School, lecturer in History and Assistant Chairperson of the Social Sciences Division of the College of The Bahamas, and Vice Principal of both the Preparatory and Secondary Department of St. John’s College. The last nine years of her service in the field of education were spent as Principal of St. John’s College, the largest school operated by the Anglican Diocese in The Bahamas. Mrs. Ferguson has impacted the lives of thousands of young Bahamians. She has shared with students her belief in the importance of developing the whole person, the Christian obligation to use all talents to the fullest, and an appreciation for the culture of the Bahamas. Mrs. Ferguson is an avid proponent of Bahamian culture and has participated in the Junkanoo parades from the age of four. She served on the National Junkanoo Committee for 24 years and is the founding Secretary of the One Family Junkanoo and Community Organisation. She has been an active participant in One Family’s Community Outreach Program and has co-chaired the One Family Book Fair “Rush to Read”. Mrs. Ferguson was the recipient of the Links Inc. ‘Unsung Hero in the Arts’ Award and has been recognised by the Ministry of Tourism for her long service to the National Junkanoo Committee and her outstanding participation in the People to People Programme. In 1997, she was selected by the Ministry of Tourism to represent The Bahamas on the Bahamas Customs Inspection Sticker.
Ms. Olivia Turnquest
Ms. Olivia Turnquest has given over 40 years of dedicated service in the field of education. She served as Charter Member of Kiwanis Club and Supervisor of the Community Based Rehabilitation Programme for the learning disabled. She was the leader of the Bahamas Red Cross on Long Island and the Ladies Friendship Club of Long Island. Ms. Turnquest was instrumental in the building of the self help project – “The Senior Citizens” Recreational Centre.
THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL (BEM) (CIVIL DIVISION)
Reverend John C. Wallace
Reverend John Wallace has been the Pastor of the New Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Grand Bahama, since 1994. As a result of his ministry, many persons’ lives have been changed and there has been very significant church growth and development. Reverend Wallace was instrumental in the commissioning of seven (7) ordained Ministers to the Gospel ministry, namely four Deaconess and three Evangelists. Reverend Wallace and his wife are actively involved in community outreach programmes, including the distribution of breakfast to the elderly on weekends.
Ms. Erma Williams
Ms. Erma Williams has owned her own catering business for many years during which time she has served at some of the most prestigious national events. Throughout her adult life, she has been a social activist and has worked tirelessly for the advancement of women. Ms. Williams is a member of several women’s organisations and has represented The Bahamas at international conference in the USA and Latin America. She is currently a senior member of the Women’s Association of the Free National Movement Party. She is an active member of her Church.
THE QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL (QPM)
Mr. Marvin Dames
Deputy Commissioner of Police
Deputy Commissioner Marvin Dames has a long and distinguished career in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. During the early years of his career, he worked in the Uniformed Branches. Since 1995, he worked in the Plain Clothes Division, where he was Commander for the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), and Officer-In-Charge of the Central Detective Unit (CDU) from 1998 to 2007. In June 2007, he assumed command of the New Providence District. Mr. Dames was promoted to the post of Deputy Commissioner of Police in January, 2010. He is a dedicated and committed officer, who has consistently performed at the highest standard. He possesses strong leadership traits and is able to take command of assigned areas of responsibility. Mr. Dames is an officer of integrity who provides exceptional service to the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
Mr. Quinn McCartney
Assistant Commissioner Quinn McCartney is an outstanding young Bahamian who is truly an asset to the Royal Bahamas Police Force. He is competent, industrious, loyal and remains fully engaged in making the best contributions to The Bahamas so that we have a safer place to visit, live, work and play. Since joining the Force, he has demonstrated abilities which have earned him the admiration and respect of his peers and the public at large. He has led and successfully implemented many impressive projects in Law Enforcement and is currently leading significant change initiative within The Royal Bahamas Police Force. Assistant Commissioner McCartney is the recipient of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was promoted to Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police in January, 2010.
