by Linda Straker
- OBE awarded to Beverley Grey for services to Education
- MBE awarded to James Nicholas for services to Fishing and Agriculture, and Sandra Thomas for services to Education
- BEM awarded to Irma Cynthia Lewis for services to Agriculture and Neal Matheson for services to Culture
For their contribution to Education, Culture, Fishing and Agriculture, 5 Grenadians have been recognised in King Charles’ 2026 New Year Honours List. The king, as Head of the Commonwealth, recognises outstanding citizens semi-annually for his birthday, which is observed in June, and in December for the new year.
According to the 30 December publication of the London Gazette, the Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) OBE is awarded to Beverley Grey for her services to Education, while the MBE Order was awarded to James Nicholas for his services to Fishing and Agriculture and Sandra Thomas for her services to Education.
The British Empire Medal (BEM) was awarded to Irma Cynthia Lewis for services to Agriculture and Neal Matheson for services to Culture.
Nicholas, who has contributed to the fishing sector through the Southern Fishermen Association for more than 25 years, said that he was delighted to be recognised. “I feel great, really great! I knew I was nominated, but you are confirming to me that I was awarded. I feel great,” he said.
Similar excitement and happiness were expressed by Grey after learning that she was awarded for her contribution to education. “I feel privileged to be recognised for nation building, this will inspire me to continue striving for excellence.” Grey was also named as a National Awardee for the 2025 Independence celebration.
“I knew of the nomination, but now I feel even more privileged to be recognised with the OBE recognition from the King,” said Grey, whose educational institution opened 38 years ago under the name Grey’s Typing School but has since become involved in Grey’s Training and Certification Centre. Since its opening, thousands of young Grenadian women and men have gained secretarial and other skills through her institution on Lucas Street.
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It continues to surprise me that Grenadians are prepared to show so much deference to the royal family. Are people in denial about the meaning of the word “empire” in the so-called award? That foul family have profited from the slave trade and were instrumental in trying to keep it in force. They play a part in the island’s current economic situation and care nothing for any Grenadian citizen where it doesn’t benefit them.