Mrs. Inez Braithwaite (2nd from left) pictured here with Mrs. Jennie Wheatley (right), Mr. Elmore Stoutt (2nd from right) and Mrs. Adorothy Turnbull (left) will be presented with the BVI Badge of Honour this week, according to Government Information Service (GIS). Photo: VINO/File

Mrs. Inez Brathwaite, a former local teacher and principal in the Virgin Islands, began her career in January 1949 as a pupil teacher in Cane Garden Bay.

Mrs. Brathwaite dedicated her life to educating the children of the Virgin Islands, particularly those of the villages of Cane Garden Bay and Sea Cow’s Bay.  Her career spanned a period of forty three years.  Throughout her teaching career, Mrs. Brathwaite was guided by her profound Christian beliefs, which were passed on to her students.

These students were influenced, of course, by her strict morals and principles and some are today among the highest achievers in the Virgin Islands. 

Mrs. Brathwaite retired as Principal of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in January 1992. After her retirement, she continued her pastime of visiting and praying with the sick and shut-in and as the Pastor of the Gospel of Jesus Evangelistic Pentecostal Church in Sea Cow’s Bay. Her life has been characterised by focus, service, prayer and commitment to the Virgin Islands, a legacy that is not easily forgotten, particularly by those who have been touched by her life.

The Badge of Honour may be presented to a Virgin Islander, or a person who has been an ordinary resident in the Territory 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.

A 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.