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Pusser’s Founder Among BVI Honorees by QE2
New Year’s Honours
04 January 2011
Two BVI Residents are named in The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List
His Excellency the Governor Boyd McCleary announced on 31 December 2010 that Mrs. Lorna Smith has been awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the Government of the British Virgin Islands and Mr. Charles Tobias, a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Royal Navy and to the community of the British Virgin Islands.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II made the appointments as part of her New Year’s Honours List which was released in London on 31 December.
“My warm congratulations go to Lorna Smith and Charles Tobias. Both are worthy recipients. Mrs. Smith, for her many years of outstanding public service to the BVI in a wide range of capacities, most recently, as Director of the International Financial Services Centre.
“Mr Tobias, for his unstinting support for the Royal Navy and his many wider contributions to charitable organisations in the Territory.”
Mrs. Smith, the former Director of the BVI International Financial Services Centre, has more than 35 years experience at the highest level of public service. She began her career as a teacher at the then BVI High School and later served the Territory in a number of pivotal capacities, including Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister. Her main focus was on economic growth and sustainability including the modernisation of the tourism sector.
After officially retiring from the public sector in 2009, she established her own consulting firm, and continues to actively participate in local and international financial affairs with specific concentration on Tax Information Exchange negotiations.
In addition to her official duties, Mrs. Smith continues to be an active member in the community and serves as President of Tortola Rotary Club. In this capacity, she has focused on providing services for children with special needs. Through a variety of fundraising events, Mrs. Smith has also helped generate substantial funds to support local charities.
Mr. Charles Tobias, Chairman of Pusser’s Rum British Virgin Islands, has been described as a staunch friend of the Royal Navy, over the years providing financial and other support to many of its branches.
His business, which employs close to 300 people, contributes significantly to the Territory’s economic development. He has also served as a member on the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and has sought to actively develop BVI tourism.
Mr Tobias revived the tradition of the Pusser’s Rum and in return ensures that the Royal Navy Sailor’s Fund benefits from its sale. For more than 20 years he has generously supported numerous charitable undertakings associated with the Navy and the community of the Virgin Islands.
The Queen’s New Year’s Honours List recognises individuals for outstanding achievement and service across the United Kingdom and its Overseas Territories. Go to the Honours section of our website to find out how you can nominate a deserving recipient.
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