BFC personnel on Honours List

Four members of the British Forces Cyprus community were given extra cause to celebrate the start of 2022 after their outstanding contributions were officially recognised on Her Majesty the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Episkopi-based WO2, Adrian Briggs, was awarded a highly prestigious Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) and SBA Police sergeant, Loucas Panayiotou, has been honoured with the Queen’s Overseas Territory Police Medal.

Former BFC personnel, WO Alistair Grant and WO2 Michael Baxter, will also receive an MSM and a UK Strategic Commander Commendation respectively for their achievements during their tours on island.

WO2 Briggs, who works as the Housing Estate Manager and Community Support Officer for both Episkopi and Troodos Stations, has been in the military since his enrolment as a Royal Lancer in 1985.

Described in his official citation as being “driven by a profound desire to do his best for soldiers and the community” and showing “such selfless dedication throughout 35 years of service”, he revealed the award rates as perhaps his proudest achievement.

He said: “I have had a very long career and soon to start my 37th year, but this will probably. top the list, to be honoured is a fantastic accolade and achievement.

“I am immensely proud to of have been recognised for my service and dedication and obviously my family are super-proud, especially my wife Amanda who has supported me over my career.”

Akrotiri’s Community Police Officer, Sgt Loucas Panayiotou, a 30-year veteran of the force, was equally thrilled to have been recognised for his efforts.

He said: “It was a great honour to have been selected for the award; it means so much to me.”

The New Year Honours List recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary individuals and although it is unclear when the first official list was published, it is said to have between the end of the 19th and the very beginning of the 20th Century.