The Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) is a silver medal for distinguished service and is principally awarded to non-commissioned officers of all of the British armed forces.

From the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Inspectors Vernon Larocque and Gilbert Charles were the recipients;.

Awardees from Her Majesty’s Customs include Senior Customs Officer Osbert Pole and Customs Officer II Mark Morris. Meanwhile, awardees from the Immigration Department were Immigration Officer II Juliette Christopher and Trevor Chalwell.

In addition, Her Majesty’s Prison Service saw Principal Officer Sonia Musgrave and Prison Officer II Kesena Okoro being awarded while Deputy Chief Fire Officer William Penn and Station Officer Melvin Jeffers of the BVI Fire and Rescue Service were also awarded.

Speaking on the award, the then Governor Augustus Jaspert said he was proud to have initiated the award to highlight those security and protection officers who went above and beyond to help the territory maintain its status of being a destination where it is safe and enjoyable to live.

He said: “I hope that this award becomes something that inspires officers across our agencies to keep doing their best to keep our public safe.”

Acting Governor David Archer, Jr commended Jaspert for recognising excellence and bravery exhibited by the officers in the line of duty. He also showed appreciation to the men and women who were honoured.

“I extend my deepest thanks to these ten officers for all the work that they have done and continue to do,” he said.

According to the Governor’s Officer, it is their intention to continue to award selected officers the Governor’s Medal for Meritorious Service on an annual basis.