Former Secretary to the Cabinet John Drinkwater was yesterday named Commander of the British Empire in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours.

An Englishman originally seconded to Bermuda as Adjutant of the Regiment, the honour caps more than 35 years of service to Bermuda for Mr. Drinkwater.

Seven others who were honoured with the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

Bermuda Regiment Colour Sgt. Cedric Tweed received the honour for his long-standing work in the community and in the military.

R. Kenneth Todd was honoured for his services to the community, including 40 years of service with the Department of Marine & Ports Services.

Clara Hallet, a pioneer in genealogy studies on the Island, was honoured for her work in the field, including her groundbreaking published works: Early Bermuda Wills and 19th Century Church Registers of Bermuda.

Marva Trott, executive housekeeper at Southampton Princess, was honoured for her services in tourism, an industry she has been thriving in for almost 35 years.

John Periera and Dennis (Danny) Fagundo were both honoured for their excellence in the construction industry, namely as the co-founders of D & J Construction Company Ltd., which has emerged as a leader in the field.

In addition, Carl Simmons was honoured for his service in religion. Pastor Simmons has been a leader in Bermuda’s religious community for several decades, notably through his broadcast Ministry and his efforts in local and international evangelism.

The Royal Gazette was able to talk to Sergeant Cedric Tweed yesterday evening and he was “happy” with this new honour.

He said: “I feel great, I m happy. I’ve been in the forces for sometime — I’ve been in the Bermuda Regiment since 1951.”

According to Mr. Tweed, he stayed committed to the armed forces for over fifty years simply because he loved it.

He said: “It was something I love — I’ve been doing it all my life practically. When Bermuda wanted volunteers I signed up in 1951 — I enjoyed being in the forces all these years. I was born (in Bermuda), this is my country, so I did the best I can.”

According to Mr. Tweed, he did not expect to be honoured and only heard about after he received a call last week.

He explained that his whole family has been proud of the honour and even said: “They are telling all their friends about it.”

Mr. Drinkwater first came to Bermuda in 1971 as the Adjutant of the Bermuda Regiment.

He later joined the civil service, holding several key positions, co-ordinator of security services in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs in 1983, assistant cabinet secretary in the Cabinet Office in 1991 and the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and public Safety in 1996.

He became Secretary to the Cabinet in 2000 and retired last year.

Speaking from his home last night, Mr. Drinkwater raised a toast to all Civil Servants and also his Bermudian wife, Margaret.

Mr. Drinkwater said: “Yes, it’s a great honour, I’m thrilled. I do see it that way (as a pat on the back from his adopted country). But I also see it as a reflection on the Civil Service overall.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to all my colleagues with whom I worked over the many years and also to my wife who has supported me.”

Mr. Drinkwater finished his first stint with the Regiment in 1974 and returned to Britain, but by 1980 he and the former Margaret Siggins had decided to marry.

He was also offered a job as a staff officer in the Regiment by Governor Sir Peter Ramsbotham.

Mr. Drinkwater received part of his formal education at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst, Bristol University and further his professional training at the British Army Staff College at Camberley, and served in Northern Ireland, Aden and in Germany.

Seven receive the Queen’s Certificate