Hundreds attend Queen’s 90th Birthday Parade
The large turnout was especially entertained by the drums of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Advent Heartbeatz as they set the rhythm for the march past of the many entities that included schools, youth groups, Pathfinders, many volunteer service organisations, as well as crew members of HMS Mersey.
There were cheers and applause as the various delegations made their way past the long tent of persons as well as when the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force did an excellent show of quick marching.
Following the Inspection by Governor John S. Duncan OBE and the Royal Salute, there was a 21 Gun Salute that turned out to be a frightening experience for some as screams could be heard every time the shots were fired.
It was then time for everyone to participate and this they did by lustily singing the Birthday Song for the Queen, Virgin Islands style.
A ‘special day’
“Today is a very special day, today we celebrate the 90th birthday of a very special person, Her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elizabeth II; the longest reigning monarch in the United kingdom and her realms,” said Governor Duncan.
He noted that Her Majesty the Queen ‘has devoted over sixty years of service and commitment,’ becoming queen at 25 years of age.
“Her Majesty whose unique mix of dignity, style and the common touch, qualities that continue to endear her to her people, has been a rock of strength.” Governor Duncan also quoted the Queen’s grandson Prince William as saying, “Time and again, quietly and modestly Her Majesty the Queen has shown us all that we can confidently embrace the future without compromising the things that are important.”
About Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II
It was said that at just 18, Her Majesty became the first female member of the royal family to join the armed forces, joining the Women’s Auxiliary Territorial Service, training as a driver and a mechanic.
“It is therefore fitting and an honour to be joined here today by members of Her Majesty’s armed forces HMS Mersey and for the first time in our earlier parade, ex-servicemen and women from the Virgin Islands.”
VI celebrates Her Majesty’s 90th birthday
In his address, the Governor outlined the events hosted here in the Virgin Islands to commemorate not only the Queen’s 90th birthday but also the 50th anniversary of her visit here and the over 300 years of being linked to Britain.
“It is a special day too for the British Virgin Islands whose link to the crown stretches back over 300 years. Today we celebrate our identity as part of her Majesty’s realm and our long history of links to the British monarch.”
Commendation was given to the committee under the guidance of the Deputy Governor V. Inez Archibald for the successful coordination of the events. Activities began on February 23, 2016 to mark the 50th anniversary of the queen’s visit to the Virgin Islands.
On March 24, the re-enactment of a traditional salt breaking ceremony was held on Salt Island and the traditional one pound of salt handed over to the Governor to be sent to The Queen. April 11 – 15 saw the schools across the territory treated with road shows explaining the meaning of being a part of the realm.
Her Majesty’s ship HMS Mersey arrived on April 19, 2016 and on April 20, 2016 the official release of the stamp collection for the VI entitled 90 Years of Style was done.
The first ever Queen’s Birthday Parade and the lighting of the celebratory beacon across all sister islands culminated the celebrations.
Governor Duncan ended his remarks by reading the greetings he had sent to the Queen, on behalf of the people of the VI and the reply of the queen.
Fond Memories
The Governor also read the response of Her Majesty The Queen which he received a few days prior. In it she thanked the residents for their greetings and stated how pleased she was to learn of the extensive celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of her visit with His Royal Highness Prince Philip.
“Her Majesty and His Royal Highness retained fond memories of that time and commend the people of the British Virgin Islands for the great strides made since that time in the economic, social and political development while respecting the special character and unique environment of those islands.”
Her Majesty also thanked the people of Salt Island for the salt sent to her and reaffirms the links to the Virgin Islands. Her letter ended with her best wishes for the people of this territory.
Awards
The announcement and presentation of Long Service Medals, as well as for Dedicated Service as a Member of the RVIPF Band then followed.
Special awards were also presented in recognition of service rendered during the 1966 visit of Her Majesty The Queen.
The recipients were Mrs Mignon Brewely- widow of the late Earl Brewley, who was the owner of the 1966 Buick Electra Convertible used to transport Her Majesty during her visit- and Mr Joseph E. Williams- the young police officer who was the driver of the vehicle that transported her Majesty The Queen during her visit.
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