From leading a revamp of social housing in the island, to charitable work and serving Jersey’s justice system, helping raise millions of pounds to assist the treatment of teenage cancer patients, and spreading joy and education through music, the islanders recognised in King Charles III’s Birthday Honours List have a lot to be proud of.
And this year has also seen Jersey’s Lieutenant-Governor awarded a Knighthood…
Meet the honourees…
Vice-Admiral Sir Jerry Kyd CBE
His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, Vice-Admiral Sir Jeremy Kyd CBE, has been appointed a Knight Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for services to the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Royal Navy.
A familiar face to many islanders and organisations, Sir Jerry took up his role as the King’s representative in Jersey in October, 2022.
He served in the Royal Navy for 37 years, during which time he held a number of senior positions including Fleet Commander – a post second only to the First Sea Lord.
The Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq, said that both the Lieutenant-Governor and his wife, Dr Karen Kyd, had “embraced the people of Jersey” and been “warmly embraced in turn”.
“Admiral Kyd discharges the office of Lieutenant-Governor in an exemplary manner that is, in my view, entirely worthy of this recognition and honour,” he added.
“I am delighted on their behalves.”
Ian Gallichan OBE
Ian Gallichan announced his retirement from his role at the helm of affordable housing provider Andium Homes last year, following a 34-year career in the sector that included time with the Housing Department.
Andium has said Mr Gallichan leaves behind “a legacy of transformative leadership and unwavering commitment to social housing in the island”.
Reacting to being made an OBE, he paid tribute to everyone he had worked with over the years – “I really have stood on the shoulders of giants”, they’ve been outstanding” – as well as his wife and family, who he said had “stood by me through thick and thin”.
Collette Crill MBE
Retired Jurat and Lieutenant Bailiff Collette Crill served voluntarily on the Royal Court bench for 12 years.
Prior to that, she spent ten years serving on the Youth Court Panel.
Additionally, she has a large portfolio of charitable and community work, including roles with the Prisoners of Conscience Holiday Fund Jersey, the Amnesty International UK Section and the Jersey Human Rights Film Festival, among other organisations.
Jurat Crill will also be celebrating her birthday on Saturday.
“I could not ask for a more wonderful birthday gift than this thrilling award,” she said.
Though she said she was “deeply grateful” to receive the honour, she added that she sees it “as recognition of the unsung, unremunerated and dedicated hard work of all those many colleagues I have worked with”.
James Mews MBE
James Mews has been chairman of Music in Action since it was formed in 2006.
The charity’s work includes educational workshops and outreach programmes, bursaries, concerts and music festivals, with the goal of creating opportunities for islanders of all backgrounds and ages to interact together through musical experiences.
“We exist to use the power of music to inspire people to become better people, to have joy, to learn – we do work across the entire community,” said Mr Mews.
Commenting on being made an MBE, he added: “I feel very humble and thrilled, but it really is an honour for the people who have made the charity and supported it.
“My wife, Naomi and so many people over the years who give so much.”
DCI Chris Beechey
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Beechey, whose 30 years of experience includes key roles within the emergency responses to the major maritime and Haut du Mont incidents in 2022, has been awarded a King’s Police Medal.
He said the award was “completely unexpected”, and paid tribute to his family for their support over the years.
Chief Officer Robin Smith described the Detective Chief Inspector as “an outstanding role model and a credit to the police service at the States of Jersey Police”.
“Throughout his 30 years of service, his commitment to keeping islanders safe has
never wavered,” he said.
“He is widely recognised as a consummate professional, whose values are grounded in the highest standards.
“It is my pleasure to congratulate Chris and acknowledge what is a hugely deserved recognition from His Majesty.”
Irene Haycock BEM
Irene Haycock has received the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community through the Teenage Cancer Trust.
The Teenage Cancer Trust Jersey Appeal for the charity Teenage Cancer Trust was set up in 2009 by Mrs Haycock, whose son Calvin was having treatment for cancer at age 14.
Since then, the group has raised £2.5 million to support young people with cancer and their families.
The Appeal announced last year that the time had come to wind down operations, but called for islanders to build on its vital work by continuing to support the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Reflecting on her achievement, Mrs Haycock applauded her “brilliant committee”, adding: “If it wasn’t for them I don’t think I would be receiving this. It’s been a great journey and I think we’ve achieved an awful lot.”
Meanwhile in Guernsey….
The King’s 2025 Birthday Honours List includes seven Guernsey residents in what has been described as a “bumper crop” of honours.
The group includes the Lieutenant Governor who has been awarded a knighthood and his Aide-de-Camp Major Marco CIOTTI, who is made a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order.
Specsavers’ founder Doug Perkins is made a CBE for his services to business and trade.
Jurat Neil Hunter, Joanne Priaulx, and Dr Stephen Brennand Roper have all been awarded the MBE for their services to Alderney, neonatal care in Guernsey, and healthcare in Guernsey respectively.
Jon Le Page has been awarded the King’s Fire Service medal.