Nassau, Bahamas -- Pictured are the 23 Bahamians who received the Queen’s annual birthday honours for the year 2009 during a gala ceremony held at Government House, Thursday, January 14. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)	Nassau, Bahamas -- Governor General His Excellency Arthur D Hanna presents the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division): Commander (C.B.E) to Minister of Tourism & Aviation Senator the Hon Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace for his work in the tourism industry during the Queen’s annual birthday honours for the year 2009 at Government House on Thursday. (BIS photo/Derek Smith)

Nassau, Bahamas -- Twenty-three Bahamians received the Queen’s annual birthday honours for the year 2009 during a gala ceremony held at Government House, Thursday, January 14.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division): Commander (C.B.E.) went to Minister of Tourism & Aviation Senator the Hon Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace for his work in the tourism industry.

Anita D Bernard and Bishop Elgarnet B Rahming received the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George Companion (CMG) designations.

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) were awarded to George Cox for his contribution to engineering; Lowell Mortimer for his contribution in the church and community and Harcourt L Turnquest for outstanding work in the Public Service.

The recipients for the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire (M.B.E.) included Sandra Moore, Canon Fitz Goodridge, Edna M Russell and Basil Christie.

The Queen’s Police Medals went to Assistant Commissioner Shannondor H Evans and Chief Superintendent Sylvester A George. Eleven persons received the British Empire Medals (B.E.M.).

Governor General of The Bahamas His Excellency Arthur D Hanna presented the honourees with the Insignia of Orders of Chivalry and other awards. He also thanked them for their contributions to the country.

“You are our nation builders and we salute you,” said His Excellency. “You have given most generously, and in some instances, sacrificially, to the growth and development of The Bahamas in numerous sectors.“

Prime Minister the Rt Hon Hubert A Ingraham said an important part of national development is the promotion of a “common set of values” and the “conservation and protection of traditions which help shape national identity.

“This is especially important in young nations because much of our culture, traditions and hence our identity were formed during the colonial times when external sources held greater influence than would have indigenous practices,“ said Prime Minister Ingraham.

He said to this end, the Government of The Bahamas continues with the tradition of recognizing deserving Bahamians with the Queen’s Birthday honours.

Prime Minister Ingraham said, “It is particularly gratifying for the Government, on an annual basis, to identify and recognize deserving and worthy individuals who have contributed toward the political, intellectual, business or cultural development of our country, for recognition and reward.”