ROADTOWN Tortola BVI,  June 8th, 2912  – His Excellency the Governor Boyd McCleary, CMG, CVO would like to pass on the following message to the people of the Virgin Islands.

“I would like to put on record my warm appreciation to the people of the Territory for turning out in such large numbers to celebrate Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

The tents at the Queen Elizabeth II Park were packed for the traditional parade on June 4 which, this year, involved a record number of groups from uniformed organisations, schools and youth and community groups.

The venue was appropriate and beautifully decorated, the marching was excellent, the Royal Salute was delivered graciously and we all had an opportunity to congratulate the many members of the BVI's emergency services, who were awarded long-service and Diamond Jubilee medals.

I was also delighted at the strong support for the Diamond Jubilee Beacons, which were lit on Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke.

The Acting Premier noted in his remarks at the Beacon ceremony in Tortola that ‘the BVI and the people of these islands really love The Queen, and you must tell her that for us’. I am happy to do so.”