Queen's Birthday Honours

Wednesday, 20 June 2012 10:43

Written by Editor

Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to give orders for the following appointments: To be Ordinary Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (“OBE”):
Karel Mark CHICHON, Co-Founder and Artistic Director of the Gibraltar Philharmonic Society. For services to music and culture in Gibraltar. Mr. Chichon has conducted the world’s three leading orchestras and, through him, Gibraltar has welcomed some of the top internationally acclaimed performers.

To be Ordinary Members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (“MBE”):
Mrs Maria Louisa (known as Marisa) DESOIZA, Chair of the Gibraltar Society for Cancer Relief. For services to cancer relief in Gibraltar. Mrs. Desoiza started work at the Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre as a nurse coordinator over twenty years ago. She has been pivotal in setting up palliative case studies in Gibraltar.
Michael PRESCOTT, founder member of the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation. For services to dance and the arts in Gibraltar. Mr. Prescott has run the Gibraltar National Dance Organisation and been an international judge for over 30 years. He has taken over a thousand dancers to participate in international competition.

Her Majesty The Queen has also been graciously pleased to give orders for the award of a British Empire Medal to:
Manuel (known as Manolo) RUIZ, Founding President, Senior Citizens’ Association, Gibraltar. For services to the community, particularly to senior citizens, in Gibraltar. Mr. Ruiz founded the Senior Citizens’ Association eleven years ago and has worked since to improve the standard of living for senior citizens in Gibraltar.

His Excellency The Governor, Sir Adrian Johns, has awarded the Gibraltar Award (Governor's Certificate and Badge of Honour) in recognition of exceptional services in Gibraltar to:
Mr Anthony GALLIANO. For services to scouting in Gibraltar. Mr Galliano served as the Cub Scout Leader of the 5th Gibraltar Sea Scout Group for many years before becoming Assistant Chief Commissioner. He organises events, assists with training sessions and runs the Pipe and Drum band.
Mr Raphael GONZALEZ. For services to the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the local community in Gibraltar. Mr. Gonzalez has served the Royal Gibraltar Regiment TA band since he was seventeen. He also entertains as a presenter on Radio Gibraltar and works full time as a Civil Servant dealing with accommodation.

The Governor said “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the recipients. I am delighted that a significant number of worthy candidates in Gibraltar have been recognised in this list. This is a direct result of more high quality nominations. But we need to keep the momentum up: another honours round is already under way and we need more nominations. I would urge people to think about nominating those who might merit an award. It is particularly fitting that we recognise in this way the achievements of our Gibraltar community in this, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Year.”

It is important that nominations are strong and include supporting information, given that they will need to stand up to scrutiny by people who may not know the individual concerned or their work. Forms can be submitted at any time during the year and will be held for consideration by the Gibraltar Honours Board at their next meeting. Packs containing nomination forms and guidance notes are available from the Convent reception or electronically by e-mailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
uk.
In addition to the advice contained in the guidance notes, the Honours Board Secretary can offer general advice on the process (by e-mail on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
uk or by calling the Convent on 2004 5440). Useful information can also be found on the UK direct.gov.uk website (or just Google “UK Honours System”).

In addition to those mentioned above, the former President of the Gibraltar Courts the Right Honourable Sir Murray Stuart-Smith has been made a Knight Commander Order of Saint Michael and Saint George KCMG.