The British Monarchy has been known to recognise persons for their commitment to serving their country – or who have made significant achievements in public life.
The honourees are usually announced twice a year – at the new year and on the Queen’s official birthday. The 2022 New Year Honours list was published on December 31, 2021, and includes two persons recognised for their service to Anguilla in the area of health.
Dr. Aisha Nicole Andrewin, Chief Medical Officer, Anguilla, was honoured for service to public health in Anguilla. Mr. Merwyn Foster Rogers, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Anguilla, was honoured for public service and service to public health and healthcare in Anguilla. Dr. Andrewin and Mr. Rogers are both recipients of the Queen’s Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) honour. The OBE is the second highest ranking Order of the British Empire, behind Commander of the British Empire (CBE) but ahead of Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Commenting on the achievement by the latest honourees, Anguilla’s Governor, Her Excellency Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam, noted: “It is with great pride that we offer congratulations to Anguilla’s awardees – Mr. Merwyn Foster Rogers and Dr. Aisha Andrewin, both of whom have been appointed by Her Majesty the Queen as Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
“Mr. Merwyn Foster Rogers has played a significant role in Anguilla’s national development over a thirty-year career of public service. As a public health professional, he has dedicated the majority of his professional career to ensuring that Anguilla’s healthcare system meets the needs of an ever growing and discerning population. Most recently, as Permanent Secretary for Health, he has led and championed the public health response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Dr. Aisha Andrewin, as Chief Medical Officer, has provided committed and diligent public service to Anguilla. Her dedicated efforts have resulted in lasting changes to the medical environment and to the professional development of healthcare workers in Anguilla. Most recently, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, through her specialist expertise and skilled leadership, she has played a pivotal role in the development of national policies and regulations that have enabled Anguilla to remain relatively unscathed from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The British Honours system recognises people who have made achievements in public life and who have made life better for other people or are outstanding at what they do.”
The Anguillian congratulates Dr. Aisha Andrewin and Mr. Foster Rogers on being appointed by Her Majesty the Queen as Officers of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE).
