Montserrat on Monday held its annual Queen’s Birthday Parade to commemorate her 92nd year of life.
This was the first Queen’s Birthday Parade officiated by His Excellency the Governor Andrew Pearce. The Government was represented by Hon. Deputy Premier Delmaude Ryan, who is the current acting Premier. Other officials presented included Deputy Governor Lyndell Simpson, Hon. Minister of Communications Paul Lewis, Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Gregory Willock, Hon. Leader of the Opposition Easton Taylor-Farrell and Representative of the Defence Advisor Major Richard Grimsdell.
Uniformed groups from across the island participated with musical accompaniment from the Royal Police Force of Antigua & Barbuda Band. The groups were the Royal Montserrat Defence Force, Royal Montserrat Police Service, Montserrat Secondary School Cadet Corps, Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service, Montserrat Prison Service, Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Girls Guides, Brownies, Red Cross First Aiders and Pathfinders.
Governor Pearce conducted an inspection of the groups and was quite animated as he engaged with the various groups. Following the March Past, and a Precision Drill to the tunes of the police band playing the 2018 soca hit Hello, the Governor presented long service awards to several of officers.
Receiving a 2nd Clasp for attaining 24 years of service was Corporal Terrance Lee of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force.
Firefighter Ralston Leroy Brade received a Colonial Long Service medal for 18 years of service to the Fire and Rescue Service. Also receiving a First Clasp for 25 years Service were Inspector Derona Semper (Not present), Sergeant George Ryan, Sergeant Steve Rodney (Not Present), and Fire Officer Desi Irish.
Inspector Ottley Laborde of the RMPS, who is currently on overseas duty received a Second Clasp for 30 years of service to the RMPS.
The Parade Commander was Capt. Colin Fergus.
