by Linda Straker
- First batch of Grenadians to be honoured by King Charles III
- 5 named for June 2023 birthday recognition
- No Grenadians honoured in King’s 2023 New Year list
Former Prime Minister Tillman Thomas is among 5 Grenadians recognised by King Charles III in his June 2023 Birthday Honours list. Thomas was honoured for his contribution to services to Grenada.
He is honoured with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire or CBE. The CBE is awarded to individuals for having a prominent role at the national level, or a leading role at the regional level. CBEs are also awarded for distinguished and innovative contributions to any area.
A lawyer by profession, Thomas served as Prime Minister from July 2008 to February 2013 as leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party. He was first elected as a member of the Lower House of Parliament in 1984, representing the constituency of St Patrick East. He was one of the members of the then New National Party (NNP) administration who became a founding member of the NDC in 1987.
Throughout his political life, Thomas served as a minister of government in various portfolios, including Labour, Legal Affairs, Works, and Tourism. He exited frontline political life after the NDC lost the 2013 General Election.
Receiving the title of Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) are Augustine Jeffery for service to Culture, and Paul Phillip for his service to Sports. The OBE is awarded to individuals who have made major contributions at a local level or whose work has gained a national profile.
Pasupuleti Gita Kishore Kumar, for services in the field of Business, and Kimberlain Mills, for service to Culture, were both honoured with the title of Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is the 3rd highest-ranking Order of the British Empire and is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.
There were no Grenadians honoured in the King’s 2023 New Year list, and as a result, the 5 named for the June 2023 birthday recognition are the first batch of Grenadians to be honoured by King Charles III, who was crowned on 6 May 2023.
Nobody can be ‘coronated’ as in last line but King C was ‘crowned’ – at his coronation.
Congratulations to the former PM and the other honourees! These are great honours indeed.
A note to the editors, you seem to have, in the third paragraph, accidentally said that Thomas was PM from 2008-2018, when he of course was only PM until 2013.