Dec 31 - Ricky Rhoda Tops New Year’s Honours List
Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the appointment of:
Mr Reginald Robert RHODA QC to be a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for public services to Gibraltar and the law.
When Mr Rhoda retires in 2015 he will have served for 20 years, making him the longest serving Attorney General in Gibraltar. His time in office has seen considerable change, especially since the 2006 Constitution. During his tenure there have also been some significant legal issues and Mr Rhoda has sought to use his experience to influence judicial reforms beyond the Rock. He has been an active member of the Overseas Territories Attorneys General forum which has met regularly over the past decades. Mr Rhoda has been a keen advocate of the independence of the judiciary in Overseas Territories and has provided valuable support for his peers.
Her Majesty The Queen has also been graciously pleased to approve the following awards:
The British Empire Medal (BEM) to Mr Melvyn Leslie FARRELL, for public service in Gibraltar.
Mr Farrell has served the Government of Gibraltar since 1966 and throughout his career has worked in different departments within the service. He has served in the Chief Minister’s Office, Civil Status and Registration Office and his last position was as Clerk to the Gibraltar Parliament. Mr Farrell was the Returning Officer for the 2006 Referendum on the new Gibraltar Constitution, the 2007 and 2011 General Elections, the 2009 European Parliament Elections as well as the 2013 By-Election. Throughout his tenure he performed his role in a highly professional and efficient manner always delivering a successful outcome.
His Excellency the Governor, Sir James Dutton, has awarded the Gibraltar Award in recognition of exceptional services in Gibraltar to:
Mr John Radford SENIOR, for services to Athletics and the Royal Engineer’s Association.
Ever since Mr Radford Senior arrived in Gibraltar over 45 years ago, he has been actively involved in Athletics and the Royal Engineers Association in Gibraltar. Mr Senior himself was an excellent long distance runner, but his main success lies in the coaching of many local athletes. In the late 1960s he encouraged and introduced a number of local youngsters to competitive athletics; his knowledge and experience resulted in these trainees winning against strong opposition from the soldiers of resident battalions. His open door policy and training methods have benefitted many athletes resulting in many Gibraltar National Records being broken. Furthermore, he has never forgotten his connection with the Royal Engineer’s and to this day he continues to be very active with the Regiment’s Association whenever the need has arisen.
Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Ann SEED, for services to the Community.
For the past 15 years, Mrs Seed has been actively involved with drama in Gibraltar. She is best known for directing the Annual Pantomime which takes place in January every year. As from mid-September she is involved in auditions followed by three months of rehearsals resulting in being able to deliver a successful show every year. Her work and selfless drive has developed talents in some reluctant actors. She has encouraged many young individuals in improving their confidence and potential and developing their interpersonal skills. She directs the actors, designs and makes costumes, recruits set designers/builders, sources musicians and lighting/sound engineers, in addition to the training and development of the children’s chorus. All her hard work results in 11 performances of the Annual Pantomime, which has become one of the highlights of the local calendar.
Miss Susan WALTERS For services to Nazareth House, Gibraltar.
The Soup Kitchen in Nazareth House was initially set up in 1987 and ever since then Miss Walters has been assisting in the kitchen on a voluntary basis. For the last 27 years Miss Walters has attend the Kitchen regularly from Monday to Fridays, assisting in preparing a three course meal and serving an average of 20 to 25 individuals. She has become an extremely reliable and consistent helper and a key voluntary member of staff of the centre. She has given an invaluable service to Nazareth House, adjusting to the needs of the house and the users; and assisted in every possible way.
