Mrs. Inez Brathwaite. Photo: GIS

In his remarks the Governor spoke about Mrs. Brathwaite’s exemplary career as a public officer, her high standards of performance and her dedication to the teaching profession.  Similarly, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE spoke about the 43 years Mrs. Brathwaite dedicated to the teaching profession and the lives she has impacted during that time.

Former chairman of the BVI Honours Committee, Mr. Reuben Vanterpool reading a brief citation on Mrs. Brathwaite also spoke at length about her contribution to the teaching profession.  He said, “In her position as Principal of the Sea Cows Bay School at its former location in the Methodist Church, she was instrumental in helping to obtain the plot of land on which the school is now located.  She was also instrumental in naming the school not only after the donor, Mr. Ebenezer Thomas, but in applying it to the biblical significance of Ebenezer, which is, Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.”

Mr. Vanterpool added, “At the new school, with greatly improved facilities, she was able to help a greater number of her students towards excellence in achievement; and now many of the high achievers in our Virgin Islands community readily acknowledge her contribution to their success.”

Ms. Beverlie Brathwaite, daughter of the recipient responding on her mother and family’s behalf expressed their gratitude.  She said, “I am grateful because I know she deserves this award.  She really enjoyed serving, particularly teaching, ministering and nursing.

After retiring from the teaching service in 1992, Mrs. Brathwaite devoted her time and energy to caring for her aging mother, and serving as founder and pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Evangelistic Pentecostal Church in Sea Cows Bay.    During that time she also obtained a Masters Degree in Theology.  Additionally, she served as a member of the BVI Red Cross, the National Parks Trust, the Beautification Committee and the Shelter Management Team for Disaster Management.

The Badge of Honour may be presented to a Virgin Islander, or a person who has been an ordinary resident in the British Virgin Islands for not less than 10 years prior to the date of the award, and has provided entrepreneurial goods and or services within the Territory for over 20 years; served as an outstanding public servant with a notable degree of integrity and a high standard of service; performed a life threatening act of bravery; given notable humanitarian service to others in the community for a significant number of years; given meritorious voluntary service in Non-Governmental Organisations, or exceptional business or professional service to the community; and has been instrumental in bringing about significant changes within the public service.  Additionally, the recipient must be a respectable, law abiding citizen and will not be barred to recommendation based on the possession of other honours.

The BVI Honours Committee, which is appointed by Cabinet, is responsible for identifying persons in the community for the honour.  Once the committee has identified individuals the names are then submitted to Cabinet for consideration and approval and then to the Leader of the Opposition for his approval. His Excellency the Governor makes the final decision based on the recommendations received.