Four recognised in King’s first Birthday Honours
Four Bermudians were awarded the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
Roderick Burchall, Sandra Beach, Colour Sergeant Wayne Furbert and Shane Powell were recognised.
A government spokeswoman said that Mr Burchall was honoured “for his long and exemplary service on the Treatment of Offenders Board and the Family Court Panel”.
She explained: “Mr Burchall is the longest-serving member of the Family Court Panel, having been appointed to serve by successive government ministers owing to his immeasurable institutional knowledge, dedication to the community and ensuring fairness in the determinations of the panel and boards on which he serves.”
Ms Beach was recognised for her services to the Bermuda Reserve Police.
The spokeswoman said: “Sandra Beach has been a dedicated member of the Bermuda police reserves for 28 years.
“Having now retired from the reserve police, she has the distinction of being the first female commandant of the Bermuda Reserve Police.
“She is recognised for professionalism and exceptional commitment to the reserve police.”
Shane Powell is one of four people to receive the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.
A government spokeswoman said Mr Powell, whose recognition was for services to youth and the community, has been an inspiration to young people for many years.
She explained: “He established Bermuda Squad Entertainers in 2010 with the late Taylor ‘Taylor Made’ Grier, due to their shared passion for dancehall and desire to impact the community.
“Bermuda Squad’s aim is to encourage the next generation of entertainers by promoting positive physical, social and mental health through dance, creativity and working tirelessly in efforts to stop violence in Bermuda.
“This is accomplished by providing a safe space for youth to be their authentic selves and role modelling unity through bringing young people across the island together to create lifelong bonds.”
The spokeswoman added: “Tragically, Taylor was a victim of gun-violence in 2018, and Bermuda Squad has since dedicated their performances to his memory and reinvigorated their mission to becoming a safe space for at-risk youth.
“Shane volunteers his time for the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Reduction Team by running a dance extracurricular programme at CedarBridge Academy, Victor Scott Primary and Dellwood Middle School, and is beginning to work with the Berkeley Institute, Purvis Primary and West Pembroke.”
Colour Sergeant Furbert was recognised for services to the Royal Bermuda Regiment band, of which he was a member for almost 30 years.
The government spokeswoman explained: “He has mentored and counselled countless young drummers and musicians and commanded the respect of the band during his long tenure.
“During this time, he entertained countless crowds both here in Bermuda and while representing both the regiment and Bermuda around the world.
“Colour Sergeant Furbert performed for audiences across the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, Switzerland and Jamaica.
“He added dignity to many state and military funerals, along with many other ceremonial duties on behalf of the Government of Bermuda.”
She said: “After retirement from active band service, Colour Sergeant Furbert was determined to continue in the regiment and did so working in the culinary areas.
“He ensured that thousands of soldiers were properly fed, whether it was for training, or while they were embodied conducting disaster relief or security operations at home or abroad.
“Colour Sergeant Furbert served a total of 42 years in the Royal Bermuda Regiment.”
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