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National Honours for Public Servants

Mon, Oct 16th 2023, 11:12 AM
About Bahamians

Twelve employees of the Office of the Governor-General were awarded medals, and some 70-plus Bahamians who have served in various areas of the Public Service received Distinguished Service Medals at the third 2023 National Honours ceremony Tuesday, October 10.

Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of the Societies of Honour presented the awards during the final Investiture of National Honours at the Lower Grounds of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. Two other ceremonies were held the day before, which was celebrated as National Heroes Day.

Distinguished Service Medals are conferred on Bahamians who have served in public service, military service, police, fire and prison and uniformed services; and for exceptional service by members of civil society.

The Governor General’s Award is given for long, valuable service worthy of special recognition to the Governor General; his or her spouse or the Vice Regal Household which is worthy of special recognition in ranks of: Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Among the awardees was Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, a 43-year career public servant.  Mr. Thompson received a Gold medal for his service as Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Governor-General in 2019, a post he held until from 2019 to 2023.

Mrs. Sherrilyn Bastian-Wallace was awarded a Silver medal for her service to four Governors-General while employed in the Public Service for some 45 years. She retired in 2022. 

Among those receiving a Distinguished Service Medal was Henry Nixon, head warden of the Inagua National Park and a member of the Bahamas National Trust. He was recognized for his devotion to the protection of flamingos.

Basil Dean, Meteorologist and former Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, retired from the Public Service in 2021 after serving the Bahamas Department of Meterorology for 46 plus years. He received a Distinguished Service Medal.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis described the event as a “momentous” occasion.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Davis said it is imperative to remember that the nation thrives not just because of political giants like Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Dame Janet Bostwick, but also because of trailblazers in business, journalism, law, spirituality, law enforcement, medicine, arts and beyond.

“Each individual, each journey, represents a unique verse in The Bahamas’ grand tale – a tale of unwavering devotion and dedication to the enhancement of our homeland.”

He said the honourees represent the fields of education, the arts, science and the public service.
 “Their triumphs serve as guiding beacons for all Bahamians, irrespective of age.

“And so, tonight we proudly bestow upon these community pillars our prestigious national accolades: The Governor General’s Award and the Distinguished Service Award.”

The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for their achievements.

He recognized the work of the National Honours Advisory Committee and thanked them for their efforts. “They made the recommendations to the Prime Minister under the Act. The recommendations were unanimous; no divisions, no discriminations. The Prime Minister signed off on these recommendations and the Governor General is making the presentations today.”

He also recognized the “pilgrims in the vineyard” who helped to bring about the Legislation beginning in/around 1989. They include Canon Sebastian Campbell, the late Al Dillette, the late Terence Bethel, Freddie Munnings Jr., Max Turner, Rev. C.B. Moss Sr., Vana Moss, Keod Smith, among others.

“The legislation was passed in 2016 and today we have this wonderful ceremony.  Thanks to you all,” he said. 

Twelve employees of the Office of the Governor-General were awarded medals, and some 70-plus Bahamians who have served in various areas of the Public Service received Distinguished Service Medals at the third 2023 National Honours ceremony Tuesday, October 10.
Governor General, Her Excellency the Most Honourable Cynthia A. Pratt, Chancellor of the Societies of Honour presented the awards during the final Investiture of National Honours at the Lower Grounds of Government House, Mount Fitzwilliam. Two other ceremonies were held the day before, which was celebrated as National Heroes Day.
Distinguished Service Medals are conferred on Bahamians who have served in public service, military service, police, fire and prison and uniformed services; and for exceptional service by members of civil society.
The Governor General’s Award is given for long, valuable service worthy of special recognition to the Governor General; his or her spouse or the Vice Regal Household which is worthy of special recognition in ranks of: Gold, Silver and Bronze.
 
Among the awardees was Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, a 43-year career public servant.  Mr. Thompson received a Gold medal for his service as Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Governor-General in 2019, a post he held until from 2019 to 2023.
Mrs. Sherrilyn Bastian-Wallace was awarded a Silver medal for her service to four Governors-General while employed in the Public Service for some 45 years. She retired in 2022. 
 
Among those receiving a Distinguished Service Medal was Henry Nixon, head warden of the Inagua National Park and a member of the Bahamas National Trust. He was recognized for his devotion to the protection of flamingos.
 
Basil Dean, Meteorologist and former Deputy Director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology, retired from the Public Service in 2021 after serving the Bahamas Department of Meterorology for 46 plus years. He received a Distinguished Service Medal.
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis described the event as a “momentous” occasion.
In his keynote address, Prime Minister Davis said it is imperative to remember that the nation thrives not just because of political giants like Sir Lynden Pindling, Sir Milo Butler and Dame Janet Bostwick, but also because of trailblazers in business, journalism, law, spirituality, law enforcement, medicine, arts and beyond.
“Each individual, each journey, represents a unique verse in The Bahamas’ grand tale – a tale of unwavering devotion and dedication to the enhancement of our homeland.”
He said the honourees represent the fields of education, the arts, science and the public service.
 
“Their triumphs serve as guiding beacons for all Bahamians, irrespective of age.
“And so, tonight we proudly bestow upon these community pillars our prestigious national accolades: The Governor General’s Award and the Distinguished Service Award.”
The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman, National Honours Advisory Committee, congratulated the honourees for their achievements.
He recognized the work of the National Honours Advisory Committee and thanked them for their efforts. “They made the recommendations to the Prime Minister under the Act. The recommendations were unanimous; no divisions, no discriminations. The Prime Minister signed off on these recommendations and the Governor General is making the presentations today.”
He also recognized the “pilgrims in the vineyard” who helped to bring about the Legislation beginning in/around 1989. They include Canon Sebastian Campbell, the late Al Dillette, the late Terence Bethel, Freddie Munnings Jr., Max Turner, Rev. C.B. Moss Sr., Vana Moss, Keod Smith, among others.
 
“The legislation was passed in 2016 and today we have this wonderful ceremony.  Thanks to you all,” he said. 
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