President Dame Sandra Mason awarded ten residents of St Lucy for their outstanding contributions to community life with the first recipients on the We Gatherin’ 2025 Honours List.
The honorees, recognised for their tireless efforts across multiple aspects of society, received their pins during a ceremony at State House on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley praised the ten for their work in working to improve the lives of their fellow parishioners.
“Those of you who are here, constitute a group of people who through decades and through various communities have enhanced the lives of others in St Lucy,” she said. “Because you have been nominated by your peers and parishioners, we come today to say thank you for your efforts.”
“I am sure that when you were working in the fields doing the pitches, nobody was thinking of a reward; when you were working with young people, nobody was thinking of a reward . . . the bottom line is, we have a duty as a nation and as a community to stop and to say thank you.”
Among the ten awardees was Trevor Boyce, who was honoured for his dedication to developing sporting infrastructure, particularly cricket in his community. For the past 32 years, he has served as the curator of the Lord’s Cricket Ground in the parish.
Boyce, who admitted he was not used to being in the spotlight, told reporters: “I feel so honoured, despite that I am not a person who adores the spotlight, but I feel very honoured to be here today.”
Fiona Griffith, who has worked for many years to develop educational, sporting and social projects for young persons in St Lucy, was pleased to receive the recognition and encouraged Barbadians to get involved in community activities.
“I am a community person,” she said. “I do a lot of community work in St Lucy and across Barbados. I am honoured and was pleasantly surprised, and I am happy giving God thanks. I would like more persons to give back; giving back is very important, it gives you peace and it also shows persons you care.”
Lyman Phillips, who received his award for his distinguished service as a healthcare professional, community leader, and mental health advocate with a career spanning over four decades, said: “I am quite proud to have received this award since I have been living in St Lucy for the last 51 years – I have been very active in the community. I would always encourage persons to St Lucy. It’s the parish at the top of the map, and it’s full of scenery. I hope we can continue to get people in St Lucy who are very active in the community, and who are going to look after programmes.”
Ramarion Philips, honoured for his exceptional contributions as a nursing professional in enhancing the health and wellbeing of St Lucy residents, particularly during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, encouraged fellow Barbadians – especially the youth – to continue their good work, even if it goes unrecognised.
“Sometimes you are not always acknowledged or always seen, it may not be recognition like this, but someone is always watching, always appreciative of what you are doing. So keep doing those good things, keep positive, and keep trying to be the best you,” he said.
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