Bahamas News
BAHAMAS: Long Island Descendants Receive British Empire Medal for Service
#Nassau, September 21, 2018 – Bahamas – Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Governor General, presented the British Empire Medal (BEM) to Captain Vernon Ritchie and Bennett D. Minnis during the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours and Investiture ceremony, Thursday, September 20, 2018.
The brief ceremony was attended by family, members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force along with well-wishers including the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security, at Mount Fitzwilliam, Government House. Julie Bingham, daughter of Captain Ritchie, accepted the award on her father’s behalf.
In her remarks, Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Governor General, Anita Beneby said the two honourees, who are both descendants of Long Island, have contributed to the development of The Bahamas and its people.
“They are men whose lives are illustrious, not because of title, profession or office, but because of their dedicated public, business and community service,” said Mrs. Beneby.
She added that the award brings national recognition to the work they have done and the service they have rendered on a local level over many years.
“It is most gratifying that you have agreed to accept this honour. You have earned it and certainly have every right to be proud.”
Captain Ritchie, 80, has sailed the high seas for almost 43 years. He attained the rank of Master Mariner before the age of 25, at a time when this title was held by very few Bahamians. He has spent decades sailing the on the oceans and seas and experiencing what so many have only read in books. His travels throughout the archipelago provided an understanding and appreciation for the beauty, creativity and resilience of Bahamians.
A nationalist at heart, Captain Ritchie helped to build the country by sharing his knowledge and skills with younger generations. For more than 20 years he visited the male residents of the Geriatric Department of Sandilands Rehabilitation Hospital where he prayed and fellowshipped with them. He also imparted his knowledge of navigation and other topics to young men.
Captain Ritchie is married to Maxine (nee Burrows) Ritchie and is the father of three daughters and two sons. Bennett Minnis is a Certified Licensed Plumber and a self-employed businessman. He is a civic-minded community worker and activist whose charitable pursuits on behalf of the elderly and youth have become hobbies. He has served as a member of the Town Planning Board, the Hotel Licensing Board and the Real Property Tax Board. He presently serves on the board of the Water and Sewerage Corporation.
Mr. Minnis is an Anglican who presently serves on the Vestry of Christ the King Anglican Church, and is a member of the Anglican Church Men. He is married to Virginia Minnis and the father of 3 daughters.
Police Corporal Hield and Police Corporal Pinder serenaded the honourees with a solo, and members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Pop Band provided music for the event.
A reception followed on the terrace.
Release: BIS
Photo Captions:
Header: Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Marguerite Pindling, Chancellor and Governor General, is pictured centre along with recipients of the British Empire Medal (centre left) Bennett Minnis, and (centre right) Julie Bingham, who accepted on behalf of her father, Captain Vernon Ritchie.
Also pictured are members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at the Queen’s Honours Investiture 2018 at Government House, September 20, 2018.
RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited (“RBC”) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Kerryl-Lyn King-Henry as Country Manager and Area Vice President (“AVP”), Personal and Commercial Banking, Turks & Caicos Islands (TCI).
In her new role as Country Manager and AVP, King-Henry will take on full responsibility for the bank’s operations, strategy, and development in the TCI market, with a strong focus on solidifying partnerships with the Government, regulatory bodies, and the local community.
King-Henry brings to the role a dynamism influenced by nearly 25 years of industry experience. Prior to her new appointment, she served as AVP of Business Banking in Trinidad and Tobago. She has held progressively senior roles within both personal and commercial banking, as well as various functional units.
King-Henry holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, with a specialization in Leadership, FinTech and Big Data Analysis, in addition to a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Further enriching her professional profile, Kerryl-Lyn is a certified John C. Maxwell Coach, Trainer, Teacher, and Speaker. Her passion for leadership and development is matched by her commitment to community service, as she actively volunteers her time and leverages her professional expertise to mentor and support others. “
Kerryl-Lyn’s extensive experience and proven leadership capabilities make her the perfect choice to lead our operations in the Turks & Caicos Islands,” said Ericka Rolle, RBC’s Managing Director and Vice President, Personal Banking, The Bahamas and TCI.
“Her commitment to excellence, combined with a genuine passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our Bank’s purpose of helping clients thrive and communities prosper. We are excited to see the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to her new role,” she added.
Bahamas News
Get your laugh on, March On show coming to Turks and Caicos with box office at IGA Friday and Saturday
-
Crime4 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News4 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Caribbean News3 days agoVISITOR ARRIVALS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY TRAVEL ADVISORIES KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
-
Bahamas News3 days agoRBC appoints new Country Manager and Area Vice President for Turks & Caicos
-
Bahamas News4 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Bahamas News2 days agoBahamas economic growth
-
News4 days agoFamily of 16 yo Tourist claims negligence in jet ski death; TCI Coroner’s Court hearing evidence
-
Health1 week agoIncreased cases of Chicken Pox Prompts Ministry of Health and Human Services Response