Awardees with H E Governor Carriere and Hon Premier Don Romeo
The evening opened with the cultural sounds of the Emerald Shamioles Masquerade band and dancers entering the Sir George Martin Auditorium of Montserrat Cultural Centre from the Foyer, down the center isles and leaving through the side exit.
Tshimbie accepts award
The stage was set and the ceremony, hailed by many to have been well presented, began with the singing of the Territorial Song ‘Oh Montserrat’ performed by Mrs. Mildred Chalmers. Bishop Melroy Meade blessed the evenings proceeding with a scripture verse taken from 1Timothy2:1, followed by prayers.
The Honourable, Premier, Donaldson Romeo in opening remarks gave special recognition to the awardees and their families who were in attendance at the ceremony. He said that the Montserrat National Award Scheme recognizes the distinguished service in a variety of fields especially where people are putting service before self and the national good above selfish interest. He went on to explain why he is please about the way the awardees are chosen.
“I am very pleased that the choices are not made by the government and that nominees are accepted from anywhere, from anyone. In this way exceptional achievements and services are transparently highlighted and all persons can be equitably considered without reference to race, gender, occupation, social status or political affiliation,” the Premier said.
De Bear entertains
“Through this honours system we are saying that development is far more important than just economic growth as critical as this is,” Romeo added.
The Order of Merit is awarded to a Montserratian for meritorious contribution to national development in the field of arts, science, commerce, sports, education, governance, philanthropy, community service or any related area.
This was awarded to Miss Margaret Elwin for decades of selflessness and her commitment to the poor and unfortunate; and also to Miss. Verna West for over 30 years of dedicated service to education and the community.
The Order of Distinction is awarded to a Montserratian who in any field, has given distinguished and outstanding service; or has attained remarkable achievement at the national level or made remarkable contribution on a national level.
Three persons received this award: Mr. Emmanuel Galloway, Mr. Cedric Osborne and Mrs. Jeweline Roberts-Riley.
Mr. Emmanuel Galloway was awarded for his dedicated services to community in building and construction and commerce. It was noted that a lot of main buildings in Montserrat were built by Galloway’s Construction including the Montserrat Cultural Centre, the evening’s venue, sponsored by a man who died just over a week ago, Sir George Martin, and of whom Galloway referred to as ‘his friend’.
Mr. Cedric Osborne’s award is for over four decades of community service in the areas, especially of tourism and business.
Mrs. Jeweline Roberts-Riley an overseas Montserratian, was awarded for her years of service to the community, most notably continuing performances in cultural development for Montserrat.
The Order of Excellence is awarded to a Montserratian who, by extraordinary and unwavering commitment, devoted and distinguished service, has contributed significantly to the development of Montserrat, and positively projected its image; or for exceptional achievements in any field or discipline at the national, regional or international level.
Mr. D.R.V. Franklyn Edwards was awarded for his service to Montserrat in the areas of sports, politics, humanitarianism and commerce.
Mr. P. Austin Bramble was awarded for his political leadership, education of nationals and economic recovery with a medical school.
The prestigious honour of Order of National Hero is awarded to icons for their sacrifices for the greater good of Montserrat. It is the highest honour in the rank of all the other orders within the National Honours and Awards system.
Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell was awarded for his outstanding contribution to culture in the field of calypso and especially his unparalleled international achievement in the genre of Soca. His song Hot-Hot-Hot has been sung in many languages world-wide. Two of his children his oldest son and youngest daughter received Arrow’s award. They were Tshimbi and Ardena Cassell, the latter who during her speech was so moved by tears that her brother had to finish the speech.
Arrow is the third person to receive this award posthumously. The previous awardees were in 2014 Montserrat’s first Chief Minister William H Bramble; in 2015 Mr. Robert W. Griffith, for their sacrifices for the greater good of Montserrat.
The timely entertainment, interjected before each category of awards kept the audience captivated. Sonja Smith, ably accompanied by Kris on the guitar sang ‘Beloved Montserrat’ which had the audience humming along.
A small contingent from Matrix Dancers led by Bianka Chambers performed and awed the audience in a dance presentation to Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
Montserrat’s rising moving actor Stedroy Cabey did a sterling performance in the form of a monologue to a piece about ‘Heroes’ written by Sir Howard Fergus.
The 2015 Montserrat, Antigua and Leeward Island Calypso King Keithroy ‘De Bear’ Morson brought down the house with his two rendition of ‘Man is dust’ and ‘Sorrows of tears’ which was a special request.
