Three leaders in law, order and discipline were yesterday counted among the highest honourees in the land.
In front of family and Cabinet members, Chief Justice Leslie Francis Haynes, Commissioner of Police Richard Alphonzo Boyce and Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Brigadier General Carlos Andréz Ronaldo Lovell were awarded by President of Barbados, The Most Honourable Dame Sandra Mason, inside State House.
Haynes was awarded the highest national honour, the Order of Freedom of Barbados, which has replaced the Knight (or Dame) of St Andrew since Barbados became a republic in 2021. He will now carry the epithet The Most Honourable.
The Chief Justice has been honoured for his “significant contributions to the legal framework and social stability of the nation by upholding the rule of law, maintaining the integrity of the legal system, protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring that the Constitution is interpreted and applied impartially, safeguarding the country’s judicial independence and overseeing the administration of justice to ensure fair and equitable access”.
Boyce was awarded Barbados’ second-highest honour, the Order of the Republic (which has replaced the Companion of Honour), for “exemplary leadership, dedication and commitment to public service in maintaining peace and public safety, fostering trust within communities, leading the police service to prevent and respond to crimes, ensuring safe environments for all citizens and contributing to the social fabric of the country by upholding law and order”.
It was a bittersweet occasion for Lovell, who also received the Order of the Republic. He was awarded for “demonstrated leadership, discipline, service and dedication to national security, ensuring the protection of the nation’s sovereignty, integrity and security, commanding the military forces and overseeing strategic defence planning, crisis response and disaster relief efforts”.
Lovell’s family was absent from the ceremony as they are in mourning. (Nation News)
