Four people were named as the latest recipients of the Governor General’s Faithful
and Meritorious Service Awards, while one person received the Halo Foundation
Hero Humanitarian Award at a function held at Government House on Thursday.
The Governor General, Sir Rodney Williams conferred the awards on Carmen
Antonio (Service Medal Award – Gold), M.D Vincent Benjamin (Service Medal
Award – Silver), Superintendent of Police, Lisborn Michael (Service Medal Award
– Silver), and Hilson Joseph (Service Medal Award – Bronze).
The Halo Foundation Hero Humanitarian Award was sent to Romancia Edwards –
Tertiary.
Sir Rodney said by presenting the awards to the recipients the nation celebrates and
pays tribute to exceptional individuals who have demonstrated unwavering
dedication, selflessness, and a profound commitment to our beloved nation,
Antigua and Barbuda.
“This ceremony is a momentous occasion as we recognize the extraordinary
achievements and contributions of five remarkable individuals who have touched
the lives of countless others in remarkable ways. Among the esteemed honourees
are four outstanding individuals who are being presented with the Governor
General Faithful and Meritorious Service Awards. Their collective years of
service, passion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on our society,
embodying the very essence of what it means to serve with pride, honor, and
dignity,” he remarked.
In extending the nation’s heartfelt congratulations, Sir Rodney urged the recipients
to continue serving God and country ‘with the same passion, dedication, and spirit
that have brought you this well-deserved recognition.’
Carmen Antonio, her Citation noted among other things, that she was honoured
for her outstanding work on behalf of the APUA Credit Union, as under her
stewardship and guidance it grew and expanded both in membership and deposits.
Some ascribe the good saving habits of many APUA employees to the
encouragement of the first APUA Credit Union Manager. To get a true sense of
Mrs. Antonio’s contribution, one only needs to know that as the first Manager of
the APUA Credit Union, she was able to single-handedly grow the organization
from 70 to 300 persons as the sole staff member, while maintaining her job as an
accountant with the statutory body.
Melvin Dalton Vincent Benjamin was honoured for his contributions in the field
of education. Benjamin has spent all his working life, over 40 years, in public
service. His unblemished record in the public sector and the positive influence that
he has had on the lives of many he encountered, is a testament to his commitment
to service, his love for country, and his fellow men. Mr. Benjamin was the
Headmaster of four secondary schools including the All Saints Secondary, Clare
Hall, Jennings, and Princess Margaret Schools.
Superintendent of Police Lisborn Wendel Christopher Michael was singled out
for his service in national security. He is a dedicated and accomplished law
enforcement professional with over thirty-four years of service in the Royal Police
Force of Antigua and Barbuda. His career began in 1989 with a posting to the
Special Patrol Group. Over the years, his posting included the Criminal
Investigations Department with a specialization in financial crimes.
Hilson Glanville Joseph received his award for faithful service to the nation,
particularly in the development of national pride. Known as ‘The Flag Man’, as
a proud Antiguan and Barbudan, Joseph has exhibited his love and devotion for his
homeland in such a consistent manner that it has virtually become his lifestyle.
A typical example is his remarkable feat during the most recent Queen’s Baton
Relay, where he tirelessly carried the Antigua and Barbuda flag through the streets
of the capital city and across the island for 12 hours.
Romancia Edwards From an early age, Romancier had a heart of compassion,
selflessness, and care, not only for her family and friends but even for strangers she
would meet from time to time. She started her humanitarian work by assisting an
individual or family in need every month in various ways. She also mentors and
tutors youths within the community whom she believes should be given a chance
despite their background.
