Dacon is first SVG female to be knighted

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S DEPUTY Monica Dacon will have the distinction of being the first Vincentian woman to be knighted.{{more}}

Government House on Friday, June 18, 2010, announced that Queen Elizabeth II has granted the approval for the title of D.B.E. (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire) to be bestowed on Dacon.

“I accept the recognition that has been given. Thanks. Apart from that, I don’t really think of these things,” Dame Monica told SEARCHLIGHT on Sunday when contacted for a response.

She noted that she was not surprised that she was selected for the Queen’s 2010 Birthday Honours list.

“I am not ever really surprised about whatever comes to me in life. So be it. I deal with any situation that comes in life,” Dame Monica said.

Dame Monica was selected by the Government of St.Vincent and the Grenadines as one of this year’s honourees for “her outstanding contribution to education, community activism, and to the Office of Deputy Governor-General “.

A mother of five children: Lenoir, Leon, Vaughn, Colville, and Ellsworth, Dame Monica also holds the distinction of being the first woman ever appointed as Governor General’s Deputy and as Acting Governor General in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The 76-year-old is the widow of former parliamentarian and minister under the St. Vincent Labour Party government St. Clair Dacon.

In 1952, Dame Monica began teaching both at her alma mater, the Girls’ High School, and at the Boys’ Grammar School. She then went on to enjoy a distinguished teaching career that spanned 35 years.

She is also well known for her role in church and civic activities. She was a member of the Girl Guides’ Association and served as a Brownie Guider, as well as Sunday School teacher for many years. In 2001 she was appointed as a member of the Public Service Board of Appeal.

The other Vincentians on this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list are: Bishop Leopold Friday, C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St. Michael and Saint George); Susan Dougan, O.B.E. (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire); Kenneth Browne, O.B.E. (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire); Cosmus Cozier, M.B.E. (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire); and Errol Davis, M.B.E. (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).

Bishop Friday is being recognized for his contribution to Anglicanism, Christian fellowship and community. Dougan, for outstanding contribution to education and public administration, and Browne for his contribution to politics, business and community activism.

Cozier’s work in public administration, the Foreign Service and community activism earned him the M.B.E., while Davis’ MBE came as a result of his contribution to agriculture, business and community work.