Five recipents in this year's King’s Birthday Honours list

The Gibraltar Government’s Chief Technical Officer Hector Montado has been appointed to be an MBE in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list, with Director of Education Keri Scott appointed a BEM.

King’s Birthday honours have been granted to five recipients in Gibraltar.

Peter Conroy, Joseph Mir, and CorreLibre Running Club have been granted the Gibraltar Award for services to judo and youth development, sport, and physical and mental health respectively.

Mr Montado told the Chronicle he was honoured and grateful to receive this honour of an MBE, adding that he is privileged to serve Gibraltar and has worked with many very dedicated people over the years in the civil service and the private sector.

Mr Montado’s career spans 40 years from a civil engineer in the private sector and chief executive of the Technical Services Department to his current role as Chief Technical Officer in the civil service, which he has been in post for the past 12 years.

As CTO he is overseeing treaty infrastructure projects, the harbour reclamation and affordable housing projects.

Mr Montado has worked on Government projects such as the new schools, sports facilities and various housing estates, but the project he feels as been particularly significant in his career has been Commonwealth Park.

Ms Scott said she was deeply honoured by this recognition which comes during a career spanning more than 25 years.

"Education has always been much more than a profession for me; it has been a vocation," she said.

"In many ways, it feels like a natural continuation of a journey that began in childhood. My mother was a teacher and her commitment to children, learning and service undoubtedly inspired my own path into education."

"I was also fortunate to be taught by a number of remarkable teachers whose influence has remained with me throughout my life. Looking back, I recognise how fortunate I have been - not only in the teachers and mentors who have guided me, but also in the love, support and encouragement of my parents and wider family."

She said she has fortunate to work alongside deeply committed and inspirational colleagues whose dedication to children and young people is "both humbling and motivating", and she feels privileged to work alongside the more than 1,200 staff who serve across Gibraltar's educational settings.

"I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve the children, young people and families of Gibraltar. That has been, and continues to be, the greatest privilege of my career. Whilst I am deeply honoured by this recognition, it also serves as a reminder of the responsibility we all share to support and champion the next generation."

"I remain deeply committed to working in the best interests of Gibraltar's children and young people, to supporting families and colleagues across our education system, and to helping secure the brightest possible future for our community."

Governor Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst congratulated the recipients.

“I was delighted to be able to congratulate Hector Montado on his award of the MBE and Keri Scott for the BEM; both have given exceptional service to Gibraltar over many years and are fully deserving of this timely recognition by His Majesty The King of their work,” Sir Ben Bathurst said.

“Congratulations are also due to Peter Conroy for his work for Judo, Joseph Mir for Football and to the CorreLibre Running Club for their very well deserved Gibraltar Awards.”

“These awards are of course but a small cross section of all the great work that goes on across Gibraltar but they also serve to highlight the very best in terms of selfless commitment.”

Chief Minister Fabian Picardo also congratulated this year’s recipients.

“The King’s Birthday Honours and Awards recognise the very best of Gibraltar,” he said.

“These are people and organisations who have made a real difference to our community and to the lives of others.”

“Their dedication, professionalism and generosity of spirit help make Gibraltar the exceptional place that it is. Hector Montado and Keri Scott have each given outstanding service over many years, and it is entirely fitting that His Majesty The King has recognised their contribution in this way.”

“Peter Conroy and Joseph Mir have inspired generations through sport, discipline and mentorship, whilst CorreLibre Running Club has shown how community spirit and collective endeavour can positively impact both physical and mental wellbeing.”