Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/5546/-1/140/
|
People: Kenn Banks, Audrey Books Awarded By Queen
|
Two former Anguillian Public Servants, Kenneth Banks and Audrey Brooks, were presented with the insignias of their awards from Queen Elizabeth The Second who honoured them in her official Birthday celebrations in June this year.
|
|
Mr. Kenn Banks (6th from left) with family members
|
The investitures were done by Governor Andrew George at Government House on Thursday, December 13, in the presence of a large number of invited guests including relatives of the awardees. The citations and history of the awards were read by the Staff Officer to the Governor, Joe Legg.
Mr. Banks received the OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) and Ms. Brooks the MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
Governor George said that Kenn Banks graduated from the University of the West Indies in Civil Engineering then studied in the UK with the National Water Training Council.
After a short period in private practice in Barbados, he was appointed in 1982 as Chief Engineer in Anguilla’s Public Works Department. In this capacity, he led in the formulation of the building code. He was involved in road expansion, water development and the development of the airport. He was appointed Permanent Secretary in 1995 and held that post until his retirement in November 2006.
During his time in the public service, Kenn has played a leading role in ensuring that Anguilla’s infrastructure has kept up with the rapid pace of development. He has been instrumental in coordinating and pushing through work essential to Anguilla’s economic development and always with unfailing courtesy.
The Governor noted that throughout Kenn’s career he had consistently demonstrated professionalism and integrity of the highest standard. He is regarded as a role model by Anguillian public servants; and has always seen it as an important part of his job to provide guidance and leadership to younger colleagues.
|
|
Chief Minister Osbourne Fleming among others at ceremony
|
Governor George also mentioned that Kenn was extremely active in the community, with activities ranging from preservation of Anguilla’s cultural heritage to the promotion of sports.
The Governor added: “The award of the OBE is an extremely well-merited recognition of a lifetime of public service, which looks set to continue for many years yet. Congratulations.”
|
|
Audrey Brooks flanked by Dr. Lindell Brooks (left) and Lucas Wilson (right)
|
Speaking about Audrey Brooks, the Governor recalled that she had spent most of her adult life in the Anguilla Public Service. She worked at the Public Library fore 38 years, until her retirement in 1992. During the last 15 years of her service, she held the position of Librarian.
Governor George continued: “Audrey Brooks was a founding member of the Friends of the Hospital in the mid 1970s and remains a member today. This organisation is one of the main sources of non-government funding for the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Miriam Gumbs Senior Citizens’ Home.
|
|
Governor George presents award to Kenn Banks, OBE
|
“Many civil servants seek employment in the private sector after they retire. Ms Brooks prefers to donate her time, skills and expertise to the community at large, free of charge, in an effort to create a better Anguilla. Audrey Brooks has consistently volunteered with various organisations over the last 15 years. She is involved in caring for elderly sick and shut-in individuals, assists in the conduct of fundraisers for the less fortunate and is one of the main organisers of the National Annual Christmas Luncheon for Senior Citizens.
|
|
Governor George presents award to Audrey Brooks, MBE
|
“For the past 5 years Audrey Brooks has been volunteering her time to work as assistant in the pharmacy department of the Health Authority of Anguilla. She also helps the Education Department by teaching children with learning disabilities.
“This is an impressive record of selfless service to the community, which continues today. I offer Audrey Brooks my sincere congratulations on her well-merited award.”
Following the ceremony, the awardees and invited guests were entertained with refreshments provided by Governor and Mrs. George.