The Queen recognised the contributions of three Bermudians this year by appointing them to the Order of the British Empire.

Former Commissioner of Police, Jonathan Smith, was appointed to be an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

William de Vallieres Frith, former Mayor of Hamilton, and Fernance Perry were made Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.

Mr Smith, who was the Police Commissioner from April 2001 till December 2005, said: “I am very pleased and thankful for the award.

“I remember saying on my retirement that when you join public service you join out of a desire to serve the public, not for accolades.

“To be honoured in this way has been very rewarding and I hope that it is an inspiration to other Bermudians to join the service.”

He began his career in the Bermuda Police Service in 1979, when he received the Baton of Honour Award for the best overall recruit that year.

He went on to work in several divisions including narcotics, CID and training.

As Commissioner he oversaw the Police service’s response to 9/11 in 2001 and Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

During his career he received several Commissioner’s Commendations and other letters of appreciation from local dignitaries.

He is also a member of the Public Service Superannuation Board and the Defence Board.

Mr. Frith, who was appointed an OBE, served on the Corporation of Hamilton for 28 years and was Mayor from 1997-2000.

He said: “My family have always been involved in public service. I have always believed that you should get involved and do something in the community.”

As well as representing Bermuda when foreign dignitaries and members of the Royal family visited the Island Mr. Frith, 71, was also the Honorary Consular Agent for France for three decades and received France’s highest civilian honour, the Legion of Honour, in 1992.

One of the things he is most proud of during his time with the Corporation of Hamilton is his involvement in organising the Tall Ships 2000 race, when over 50 vessels docked in Bermuda.

He said: “It took at least three or four years to plan. Hundreds of people volunteered to help out and I don’t think the city has ever looked so beautiful.”

Mr. Frith was also an active member of numerous clubs and organisations on the Island and enjoys fishing and tennis. He said: “I am honoured and grateful to be receiving this honour for public service in the community.”

Mr. Perry, 84, was the third Bermudian to be appointed to the order this year. He arrived in Bermuda in 1926 with his parents from the Azores.

After serving in the Bermuda Rifle Corps in the Second World War Mr. Perry returned to the Island and entered the grocery business when he purchased the Piggly Wiggly with Samuel Pimental. He turned the small corner store into a grocery empire before he sold it in 1979, and they are now part of the MarketPlace Group.

He was also Chairman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board from 1989-1991 when more than $13.8 in improvements were completed.

In recognition of his contribution to health care on the Island the Harbour Ward was renamed the Perry Ward. Mr. Perry said of his MBE: “I feel rather honoured, of course, to know that my efforts or whatever I have done has been recognised.

“All my friends will be happy to know that at least I have got something at my old age. I wasn’t expecting it but they say that when you don’t expect something then you get it. That’s true in life.”

Mr. Perry, from Pembroke, is married with three children and one grandchild. He remains an active member of several boards including BF&M.

The order which all three men have been appointed to is an order of chivalry and was established in 1917 by King George V. The order’s motto is For God and the Empire.

William Frith, Fernance Perry named MBE