GUERNSEY newest MBE was recognised at the Bailiff’s New Year’s Day reception. Cynthia Cormack was honoured by the Queen in the New Year’s Honours list for her services to child health care in South Africa.
But much of the talk among the 100-plus guests in the Bailiff’s Chambers at the Royal Court was why Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland himself had still not been recognised since being appointed in 2005.
Deputy John Gollop said people should not read too much into the apparent snub, but he did voice some concerns about how the honours were selected.
‘In the past we have seen bailiffs wait several years to become Sir, so we shouldn’t be seeing it as a slight on Guernsey,’ said Deputy Gollop.
‘But I’m of the view that Tony Blair and Gordon Brown see honours as more fitting for popular celebrities, TV chat show hosts and sports heroes who are in the tabloids rather than the men and women who have devoted themselves to academic work, serious study and work in the community.
‘All of the Channel Islands, in my view, don’t get enough honours. If you look at other communities around the world they do much better than us and I think the Channel Islands should exert gentle pressure on the Privy Council to get more honours given out to those deserving of them in the Bailiwick who are recognised locally but not by the UK.’
Lt-Governor Sir Fabian Malbon said it gave him great pleasure to toast the work of Mrs Cormack.
‘Cynthia Cormack has been working for 11 years with huge diligence. She has put in a huge effort and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support the trust and its work at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital in Africa.
‘This demonstrates the difference that one dedicated and passionate person can make.
‘It’s a huge accolade for Cynthia Cormack, her supporters and for the island itself.’
Mrs Cormack admitted her award of an MBE had still to fully sink in.
‘It’s taken me aback, but it’s wonderful because it’s for the children, the hospital and for Guernsey.
‘The hospital has made major headlines in the international news and put Guernsey on the map.’
Article posted on 2nd January, 2008 - 12.00am
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