Queen Elizabeth celebrated her 93rd birthday on April 21, 2019. Photo: Internet Source

The ceremonial parade in honour of the birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will be observed on Friday, June 7, 2019, in the Virgin Islands. Photo: GIS

According to a release from the Government Information Service (GIS) on May 7, 2019, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Carolyn Stoutt Igwe said the day has been designated as a public holiday and this year’s ceremonial parade will be held at the Festival Grounds at 4:30 p.m.

She added that the parade of paramilitary organisations, civic organisations and schools will commence at 3:45 p.m. from the Road Town Police Station along Station Avenue and down James Walter Francis Drive to the Festival Grounds.

Mrs Igwe said as customary, His Excellency the Governor, Mr Augustus J. U. Jaspert will inspect all units of the parade, following which there will be a march past, the hoisting of the Governor’s Standard and the Royal Salute given in honour of Her Majesty.

Seventeen Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force will receive medals in honour of their years of service. Nine officers will receive the Overseas Territories Police Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 18 years of service.  Four officers will receive the First Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Long Service Medal for 25 years of service and two officers will receive the Second Clasp to the Overseas Territories Police Long Service Medal for 30 years of service.         

Additionally, two prison officers from Her Majesty’s Prison will receive the Overseas Territories Prison Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 18 years of service and one officer will receive the Second Clasp to Overseas Territories Prison Service Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 25 years of service. 

One fire officer from the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services will receive the Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Services Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 18 years of service and two officers will receive the Second Clasp to the Overseas Territories Fire and Rescue Brigade Medal for Long Service and Good Conduct for 30 years of service.

The public is invited to attend the ceremonial parade as the Territory celebrates Her Majesty’s official birthday.  The dress code is loungewear and persons who have been honoured with medals are encouraged to wear their decorations.