By Linda Straker

Commissioner of Police James Clarkson is among twenty five Commonwealth citizens who were named in the Queen’s 2011 New Year’s list.

 Clarkson is one of four Grenadians on the list that also include several hundred people across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth who were recognizes for outstanding contribution in public service, the arts, music, politics, business and more.

Clarkson who has more than 30 years experience within the security services of the island received the OBE title getting recognition for his contribution to the public service of Grenada. The other Grenadian to receive the OBE is author Ms Merle Collins who was recognized for her service to education and literature.

The MBE titles went to Martin Danny Clement who was honoured for his contribution to the public service in the area of education and Ms Suzanne Gaywood, for her service to tourism and horticulture while Samuel J Britton received a BEM for service education and the community development.

Gaywood plays a significant role in Grenada’s participation in the annual Chelsea Flower Show. Other Caribbean nationals to be recognised in the New Year list came from the island of Saint Kitts and Nevis; Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; Antigua and Barbuda and Belize.

Linda Straker