A loyal Customs officer, a much-loved teacher and the president of the Bermuda Track and Field Association are to receive a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.Winniefred Fostine-DeSilva has recently retired after 41 years in the Customs Department, rising through the ranks from temporary search officer to the top position of Collector of Customs.Patricia Simons, known as Aunt Pat, has fostered, taught and spiritually nurtured hundreds of children for nearly 50 years, through nursery schools, child care and groups such as the Girl Guides.In the world of sport, Bermuda Track and Field Association president Donna Watson is also to be honoured.Mrs Fostine-DeSilva said: “It’s a great privilege and an honour to be acknowledged that way.“I don’t know who nominated me but, whoever it was, I’m very surprised.”Mrs Fostine-Desilva, of Warwick, joined the Customs Department in 1970 and served in postings including in the Hamilton Long Room and as principal customs officer with responsibility for enforcement. She served in every rank except Assistant Collector of Customs.In 1998 she was promoted to Collector of Customs Designate and in 2001, she became Collector of Customs.According to a Government press release, the Customs Department was steadily modernised under her leadership, as she directed the upgrading of primary Customs legislation; the implementation of the Customs Automatic Processing Systems; and the purchasing and coming deployment of X-ray technology for sea containers.Such programmes were said to be so successful, personnel from Caribbean Customs Administrations have participated in short-term attachments to Bermuda Customs to learn new skills.Mrs Fostine-DeSilva also hosted and co-hosted several international law enforcement conferences on Island and served on the executive committee of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council.She said: “It makes a big difference when you have the support of your hierarchy. I was very well supported by my superiors through my career. I had the benefit of good colleagues and the support of the Ministry with no interference.”Meanwhile Mrs Simons, of Pembroke, described her award as a “blessing from the Lord”.She has been a foster mother to numerous children, including her current foster son, Gabriel, and has served as a Girl Guide leader, Sunday School teacher, ‘Joybells’ instructor at the New Testament Church of God, and a teacher at the Opera House, Prospect Primary School and Miracle Temple in Devonshire.In the days before nursery schools were regulated, Mrs Simons taught neighbourhood children their basic ABCs and 123s for many years.Reflecting on her 44-year career as a carer and teacher, she said: “When I was much younger I wanted to go into the hairdressing business, but after I got out of high school I decided to start teaching little children and never wanted to stop.“It’s all only because of the grace of God and the love that I have for children.“In my career I feel that it’s a blessing to be able to give children the love and care that they need, and to see them thrive and to be successful.”l See today’s sport’s section for story on BTFA president Donna Watson’s award. Sports section starts on Page 17.