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VI animal shelter manager Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay' receives Honourary MBE

- after being named on Queen’s list in 2022
At the Investiture ceremony on September 5, 2023, at Government House, His Excellency Governor John J. Rankin, CMG commended Mr Manog ‘Vijay’ Bissoondutt for his selfless work at the BVI Humane Society. Photo: GIS
Mr Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay' joined the BVI Humane Society at the age of 16 in 1995, some 27 years ago, working to help support then Shelter Manager, Tessa Gunter. After Ms Gunter’s death in 2013, he stepped into the role of Shelter Manager. Photo: GIS/File
Mr Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay' joined the BVI Humane Society at the age of 16 in 1995, some 27 years ago, working to help support then Shelter Manager, Tessa Gunter. After Ms Gunter’s death in 2013, he stepped into the role of Shelter Manager. Photo: GIS/File
JOHNSON'S GHUT, Tortola, VI– The BVI Humane Society's Shelter Manager Mr Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay' has finally received his Honourary MBE awarded under the late Queen Elizabeth II in July 2022 for his contributions to animal welfare.

At the Investiture Ceremony yesterday, September 5, 2023, at Government House, His Excellency Governor John J. Rankin, CMG commended Mr Bissoondutt for his selfless work at the shelter.

“Running the shelter can be a selfless task, sometimes heart-breaking and sometimes frustrating. Much of the work is not carried out in the limelight and is not always realised or recognised,” Governor Rankin remarked.

Job of commitment & passion

The Governor added that through his daily, weekly and yearly commitments, "for his passion and for making a difference for many hundreds of animals who have gone on to live better lives, Mr Bissoondutt is deserving of reward and recognition.”

According to information from a Government Information Service (GIS) press release, Mr Bissoondutt joined the Humane Society at the age of 16 in 1995, working to help support the then Shelter Manager, Tessa Gunter. After Ms Gunter’s death in 2013, he stepped into the role of Shelter Manager.

The animal shelter consistently runs at maximum capacity and relies on fundraising events throughout the year to survive.

The shelter looks after a variety of animals that often arrive unwanted, abandoned, and mistreated.

28 Responses to “VI animal shelter manager Manog Bissoondutt aka 'Vijay' receives Honourary MBE”

  • Chris P Bacon (06/09/2023, 18:50) Like (54) Dislike (0) Reply
    Massive congratulations, Vijay. You are an extraordinary human and your love for animals is out of this world. The BVI is so very fortunate to have you.
    • Azura (07/09/2023, 10:19) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Outstanding job for his entire life. I really hope they give him a big check for all of his dedication to show they really do appreciate him. His work with the animals has never wavered. Good job Mr. Bissoondutt. Hope you can train someone in the future to follow in your footsteps.
  • Hmmmm (06/09/2023, 19:07) Like (24) Dislike (65) Reply
    Congratulations but it is amazing what areas are only considered. So many people give their life to the young people, church & community development programmes for youth, sports, and things of such nature but are never considered. I guess those things are too local in nature and not of interest to the colonial masters. Nonetheless, Congratulations to a good guy.
    • @ Hmmmm (06/09/2023, 19:26) Like (68) Dislike (15) Reply
      You could have just said congratulations and keep it moving.
      • To @ Hmmmm (06/09/2023, 20:54) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
        It is a freedom of speech news site and the person did say congratulations. What they went on to say does have validity so what is the issue. We all agree the gentleman deserves this and more but the other part they post is also a fact.
        • To To@ Hmmmm (07/09/2023, 07:28) Like (19) Dislike (6) Reply
          Noted, BUT: “Congratulations but…” is hardly the way to start
    • @hmmmm (06/09/2023, 19:34) Like (36) Dislike (51) Reply
      You had to come here with your negativity. Well this gentleman deserves this and more. I rather care for the helpless animals that us humans abuse. Vijay you will always be successful and happy in life. You have so much compassion for the animals and that in my book makes you an amazing human being. Well deserved and congratulations
    • @Hmmmmm (06/09/2023, 19:41) Like (179) Dislike (36) Reply
      When you take care of (the white man’s best friends - the cats and dogs) who they care for more than their fellow men….you get accolades of affection.
      • Kermit the Frog (06/09/2023, 20:55) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        Sipping my tea watching on with that post. Congratulations anyway to the good gentlemen.
      • @Hmmmn (06/09/2023, 23:17) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
        The white man's dogs and cat or most likely the dog or cat you turffed out once it fully grow! Lol
        • @ @Hummmm (09/09/2023, 15:38) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
          If only you all treated humans half as well as you do your pets… you may be considered human yourselves!
      • mad max (07/09/2023, 05:08) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
        A good measure of a community is how they treat helpless animals.
    • facts (06/09/2023, 21:55) Like (8) Dislike (19) Reply
      Marry white get documents and take care of dogs way better than being a tolian
      • @facts (06/09/2023, 23:55) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
        Well go back to live where you are from. Nobody have you tie down to the BVI. We wouldn't miss your evil backside.
  • street reporter. (06/09/2023, 19:08) Like (41) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well deserved. Congrats. He is being at this for a long, long time, doing all that necessary, rain, wind or sun...
  • Linda (06/09/2023, 19:28) Like (44) Dislike (0) Reply
    Now that is dedication right there. All of his adult life he has taken care of animals. His dedicated work should have been awarded years ago, but now appreciation has been shown. The new shelter is underway in Josiah's Bay with the foundation being started. Good luck Mr. Vijay.
  • … (06/09/2023, 20:32) Like (5) Dislike (16) Reply
    The governor has a lot to answer too
  • vg youth (06/09/2023, 20:58) Like (8) Dislike (5) Reply
    While congratulations is in order I do not see anything wrong with the 1st post. It seems to be a free pass and all is well for any matter the Governor and UK does for some of you. But if the local government gives out awards to persons or athletes who performed well then it is ok for some of you to post negativity. What hypocrisy.
  • herbs power (07/09/2023, 00:59) Like (3) Dislike (14) Reply
    Back in Africa taking care of animals was black people natural life style until the colonialist rob our way of life.
  • Tessa? (07/09/2023, 01:45) Like (13) Dislike (20) Reply
    Have we forgotten Tessa???
    • Greg (07/09/2023, 10:27) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      Tessa was given her accolades years ago too. She was never forgotten. Now it is time for Mr. Vijay to receive his. Both of them did a phenomenal job loving and caring for the animals. There is never just one person working tirelessly, it takes a team for things to run successfully.
  • FIRE (07/09/2023, 09:00) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    No colonialist could tag me
  • What about our educators? (07/09/2023, 10:08) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Elmore Stoutt deserves one of these.
  • Jane (07/09/2023, 10:37) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    If you wish to nominate someone for an award, you email the Governor and you tell him. Awards in the UK (and BVI)are given for all sorts of civic duties, not just looking out for animals. Vijay's award for services to animals doesn't mean someone else doesn't get recognized for their good efforts. People complaining just need to put some effort in and nominate persons they feel should be acknowledged, if enough people do so, then they will also be awarded a gong.
  • spanish boy (07/09/2023, 16:07) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I REMEMBER WORKING FOR HIM BIG UPS N CONGRATS VIJIAY WELL DESERVED
  • Former shelter dog (07/09/2023, 16:08) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Vijay, Kemo and company deserve nothing but thanks and praise for what they do. They look after animals that are neglected, abused, and abandoned by people.....black, white, brown....the dogs can't tell. The dogs just want love, and the Shelter gives that to them. Shame on all of you ignorant, uneducated, ungrateful fools for saying otherwise. Congrats to Vijay and the shelter team for the god's work that they do. Much love, Chunk
  • Fellow guyanise (07/09/2023, 19:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Awesome! Well done! Bro


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