FROM THE WOMAN referred to as "Mrs Cookit" to some of the biggest names in business, medicine, academia, and climate change, 21 renowned Barbadians were presented with national honours and awards on Independence Day yesterday.

More than 500 people were on hand at Government House to see Acting Governor-General Sir Fred Gollop knight two outstanding sons of the soil and present accolades to another 19 for their contributions to the development of the island.

Business leader Kyffin Simpson and prominent historian Professor Hilary Beckles headed the 2007 Independence Honours List.

They were knighted by Sir Fred during a three-hour ceremony which was witnessed by Prime Minister Owen Arthur, members
of his Cabinet, other parliamentarians, members of the diplomatic corps and heads of businesses.

Barbados' first Nobel Laureate, Dr Leonard Nurse, received the Companion of Honour of Barbados for his internationally recognised work on climate change.

Among the best

Professor Velma Scantlebury-White, who has been listed among "the best doctors in the United States", landed the Gold Crown of Merit "for her outstanding contribution to the medical field, especially in the area of kidney transplant surgery".

The Gold Crown of Merit also went to prominent businessman Paul Altman for his significant contribution to the development of the tourism sector and the preservation of the heritage of Barbados.

Also honoured were Barbados' first Solicitor-General, Queen's Counsel Oliver Browne (Companion of Honour); trade unionist and historian Robert "Bobby" Morris (Gold Crown of Merit); journalist and cultural promoter Anthony (Al) Gilkes (Silver Crown of Merit); and Anglican priest Canon Andrew Hatch (Silver Crown of Merit).

Rita Springer, the first West Indian to produce a Caribbean cook book, and the woman dubbed "Mrs Cookit" by national orator Professor Henry Fraser (Silver Crown); and boat-builder Charles Wiltshire (Barbados Service Star) were also honoured.

"It's a blessing to have such an honour bestowed on you because there are so many other great people and very deserving people out there," Sir Kyffin told the SATURDAY SUN.

"So it's a cherished honour and I hope I can live up to it and give (the country) back the honour that it is due."

Sir Hilary said: "To receive an award from your society is always humbling.... I didn't think for a moment that I was honourable or [of] the type of spirit that is honourable because of my own turbulence and so on.

"But it's so flattering, its humbling, that's what it is, and thank God that there are some people who have thought that my contributions were sincere."

Gilkes told the SATURDAY SUN: "I accept this award, not just for me, but for all journalists. We have been a breed of people who have not really been given our true respect and due over the years."

Morris saw the accolade, not as a personal honour, but as some recognition of the important role the Barbados Workers' Union has played in the island's development.

"It will just give me some motivation to do more work on behalf of the people I represent," he said.

Altman commented: "It's a very humbling experience, and I am very proud to receive this award. To be recognised is always something special, so this is a wonderful evening for me."

Professor Scantlebury-White, who has received other accolades, admitted: "This honour tops it all...."