Mr Andre Sydney Leon Braithwaite, the Music Director at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), has been awarded a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in His Majesty The King’s New Year 2026 Overseas and International Honours list. Photo: HM Governor’s Office/Facebook

Mr Andre Sydney Leon Braithwaite is the Music Director at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC). Photo: VINO/File

This prestigious award recognises Mr Braithwaite's outstanding service to young people and the music industry in the Virgin Islands.

For over 30 years, Mr Braithwaite has been a mentor, leader, and cultural ambassador - shaping generations of musicians and enriching the Virgin Islands’ cultural heritage.

112 people have received awards for their exceptional service to the United Kingdom (UK) overseas and internationally.

'Well-deserved recognition'- Governor Daniel Pruce

The news of Mr Brathwaite being listed for an MBE was shared by Governor Daniel Pruce on the Office of the Governor's Facebook page.

‘I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to Mr Andre Braithwaite MBE, the British Virgin Islands’ newest recipient of the Member of the Order of the British Empire.

"Andre’s passion for music and his tireless work teaching and inspiring young people has enriched our community and strengthened the cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands. This honour is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to education and the arts'" Mr Pruce said.