Five Belizeans Honored with Awards from King Charles

Former Lands Commissioner and NEMO Coordinator, Phillippa Noreen Fairweather has been appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).  The OBE is the second highest award given by the British and is given for extraordinary work done in a region or country.  Four other Belizeans were selected to receive the member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), the third highest award.  For contributions to public service, Dr Marcelino Avila will be honoured.  Dr Avila currently sits on the Board of Trustees for Galen University.  He has served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister. For services to the community, Gregoria Aragon and Lucilo Enrique Alcoser were selected.  Alcoser is known for his significant contributions to the music industry, particularly through the band, Lucio and the New Generation.  In previous years he had been given a meritorious award from the Governor General of Belize as well as a Lifetime Award by Soundfest and the title of Music Ambassador for Belize.  For services in the tourism industry, Rudolph Bernard Coye will be honoured.  These New Year honors are given in a yearly tradition, bestowed by King Charles via recommendations from the prime minister or senior government ministers.  The awards range from the ranks of Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE).  They are given to persons recognized for prominent national or regional roles, and to those making distinguished or notable contributions in their own specific areas of activity.