Five Belizeans Honoured for Outstanding Contributions

Five Belizeans have been selected for recognition in the 2025 New Year Honours list.

Former Lands Commissioner and NEMO Coordinator, Phillippa Noreen Fairweather, has been appointed to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.), the second-highest honour awarded by the British for extraordinary work within a region or country. Fairweather’s recognition stems from her significant contributions to community and public service.

Four other Belizeans have been named to receive the Member of the British Empire (M.B.E.), the third-highest award. Dr. Marcelino Avila, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Galen University, has previously held the role of Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Prime Minister and will be honoured for his contributions to public service. Gregoria Aragon and Lucilo Enrique Alcoser will be honoured for their service to the community and contribution to the music industry, respectively. Rudolph Bernard Coye will be recognised for his distinguished service in the tourism industry.

These awards, which range from Commander (CBE) to Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE), are bestowed by His Majesty the King following recommendations from the Prime Minister and senior government ministers.