Territory marks Queen’s 90th

Drum beats, gunfire, marching and lots of salutes hailed the arrival of a globally publicised 90^th birthday yesterday.

Different organisations from around the territory came together in the capital city to march and perform in honour of Queen Elizabeth II, who was born on April 21, 1926.

The events began with a street parade that started near Elmore Stoutt High School. A procession including military, paramilitary, civic and school organisations marched up Fishlock Road and wound back down the James Walter Francis Highway to the Festival Village Grounds.

At the grounds, the police band played the national anthem, the police force performed at 21-gun salute, the audience sang happy birthday, and Governor John Duncan read a message of greeting he sent to the Queen and her response.

The governor also presented long-service medals to members of the police force, fire department and prison service.

He closed by presenting special recognition awards to Mignon Brewley and Joseph Williams for their service when the Queen first visited the territory in 1966.

Ms. Brewley is the widow of Earl Brewley, who owned the 1966 Buick Electra convertible that transported the monarch around the island.

Mr. Williams, a police officer, drove the car. Both received special licence plates commemorating the visit.

See the April 28, 2016 edition for full coverage.

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