B.V.I. Monday, June 15 – Twenty three members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force were honoured Saturday with long-service medals at the Official Celebration of the Birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Inspectors Leslie Spencer and Samuel McSheene, Sergeants Joseph Chapman, Vincent Fox, Arnold Collins, Roger Williams, Jeremiah Clarke, Randolph Westcott, Aubrey Liburd and Simon Gilbert received the first clasp Police Long Service Medal for 25 years of service.

Acting Chief Inspector St. Clair Amory, Sergeants Lincoln Liburd, Reynold Phillip, Dariel Robinson, Reid Toussaint, Police Constables Sylise Vanterpool, Joycelyn Rhymer-Mack, Francia James, Beverly James, Mary Phillip, Vinroy King, Hemchand Singh and Mitchell Lennard received the Police Long Service Medal for 18 years of service.

The medal ceremony was part of the annual Queen’s Birthday Parade, presided over by His Excellency the Governor David Pearey. More than 200 people attended the parade, which took place at the Festival Grounds and was held to celebrate the 83rd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.

During the parade the Governor read the birthday message that he sent to the Queen.

In addition to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, the parade included entries from the Fire and Rescue Services, Virgin Islands Cadet Corps, the Boy Scouts, Her Majesty’s Prison, the Girl Guides and the Girl’s Brigade. Several primary schools and service organisations also took part.

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Jazz Ensemble provided accompanying music during Governor Pearey’s inspection of the parade.

The official celebration of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is held annually on the second Saturday of June. The birthday celebration includes a parade of uniformed bodies, youth organisations, schools and service clubs.