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One of the most senior figures within Jersey's justice system has been made an MBE in recognition of his 50 years' service, and work to help children in Zambia and people with polio worldwide.
Relief Magistrate Anthony Olsen said being named in the Queen's Birthday Honours as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for honorary services to the Royal Court and services to the community was "all the more special" as it coincides with the Platinum Jubilee weekend.
Mr Olsen's first ever visit to the Royal Court came when he was what he describes as a "gawky" teenager.
Though daunted by the "whiskery and fierce" characters in the surrounding paintings, he was impressed, knew in that moment his life would be linked to the Royal Court.
Pictured: From his first trip there as a "gawky" young man, Anthony Olsen MBE knew his life would be linked to the Royal Court.
As well as being a founding partner and former Chair of law firm Carey Olsen, Mr Olsen previously served as bâtonnier.
In 2011, he was elected Jurat, and in February 2019 was appointed Lieutenant Bailiff alongside childhood friend Collette Crill. Last year, he was sworn in as a Relief Magistrate.
In additional to services to the local community through the justice system, Mr Olsen has also assisted in the worldwide fight against polio and been involved in helping blind children in Zambia to get adequate nutrition and sleeping arrangements, to name but a few achievements.
Pictured: Mr Olsen became a Jurat in 2011.
Speaking of his main role as a Jurat, Mr Olsen said: “The role is a really important one, in my opinion. The Jurats bring a hugely diverse range of experience and talent to the bench and deal with a wide range of matters.
“I shall never forget one day when Court No 2 was full of expensive-looking people waiting for an application in relation to a $24bn oil company to come on. The case had to be delayed until we’d finished dealing with a care order for an eight-year-old girl.
"I confess that I was quite proud of us that day.”
He added: “When I found out about the MBE about a month ago, I felt pleased and proud. I believe that I’m the first member of my family to be awarded a National Honour.
“It is rather lovely that the award should be made on the occasion of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee - this makes it all the more special!”
Three further MBEs have been awarded to Liberate's Vic Tanner Davy, Jersey Overseas Aid's Toni Roberts and Jersey Housing Trust founder Michael Van Neste.
The Bailiff, Timothy Le Cocq, has been given a knighthood, while Barbara Ball and Joan Tapley have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEMs).
Meanwhile, the Government's new CEO, Suzanne Wylie, has been made an OBE for services to local government in Northern Ireland. Before becoming Jersey's first ever female Chief Executive, she rose up the ranks in Belfast City Council from an environmental health officer to Chief Executive in 2014.
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