BARBADOS: ORDER OF THE DOLPHIN?

[Dragomir]

Gentlemen,

The Stange Company illustrates on its website the insignia strange to me, under the name of Order of the Dolphin of Barbados. Does somebody know what is it?

Dragomir

[taras]

Wish I knew too... I found these pics several years ago and I have no idea what is it.

[Chris Boonzaier]

It seems only to exist on that site.... maybe they just created it to show what they are able to design and make?

[paul wood]

We could devise some interesting Orders based on native fauna, Greenland, the Order of the Fallen Lemming. China order of the Celibate Panda. Kenya, Order of the Hornless Rhino. Brazil, Order of the Scarlet Macaw. Britain, Order of the Urban Fox.

Perhaps other members could deivise other orders.

Paul

[922F]

Barbados authorities do not mention an Order of the Dolphin or any projected honor of that name.

However, P. Eagleton designed the Order of the Dolphin of Barbados insignia as well as the Jordanian Order of an Nahda star revision [note motto ring difference] and Ethiopian Order of Solomon star revision illustrated on Stange's current website. In the mid-2000s, a Stange director wrote that these insignia were produced on speculation but that no contract resulted.

The company's website implies that it supplies decorations to both Jordan and the exile Ethiopian imperial claimant's organization as well as the king of Rwanda and Queen Elizabeth II [probably as Sovereign of Barbados]. Another company, BEZANT perhaps associated with Stange and/or Eagleton, could have been involved in these or similar efforts.

Stange holds a well-earned reputation as a quality jewelery maker. It is unclear whether the Orders insignia was actually produced in Stange's St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A. workshops or in Singapore or China.

Stange certainly made Order of the Holy Sepulcher insignia [at least neck and sash badges] apparently from the 1980s for a U.S. branch of the Order. Their mark is a gothic type-face, or sometimes courier type-face, letter 'S' stamped into the trophy of arms suspension reverse. Several of these badges appeared on eB*y during the past 1-3 years. The company continues to advertize jewelery related to the Order of the Holy Sepulcher -- uncertain whether it continues to make Order insignia.

It is likely that either Stange or BEZANT produced examples of royal Rwandan Order of the Lion and Order of the Drum stars. These relatively low quality insignia have clutch back or jewelery-type pins, are light weight, and have spotty cold enamel.

[Dragomir]

Thank you EJ.

I believe that you are quite right in assuming that this was a trial product. However, it is beautiful and a mountain above the regular Barbadian honours.

Yours,

Dragomir

[taras]

Dragomir, do you have any pics of the regular Barbadian decorations? Because for me this country (as well as some others Caribbean states) is one of the 'blanks' on the world order's map))

[Megan]

There doesn't seem to be much!

A fairly dire webpage from the Barbados government has long gone but I found it in the Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20031227095411/http://www.barbados.gov.bb/bgis/nation/honours.htm

Current government page (doesn't say much more): http://www.gov.bb/bigportal/big/articles/showArticle.php?file=National_Honours_and_Decoration.xml

[taras]

Thank you Megan))

[mcdermp]

This is not a Barbados order. I have just returned from there and am compiling a document on the Orders Decorations and Medals of the country. The official awards are all made in the UK. The island has a single order, The Order of Barbados, with classes of Knight/Dame of St Andrew (KA/DA), Companion of Honour of Barbados (CHB), Gold Crown of Merit (GCM), Silver Crown of Merit (SCM), Barbados Service Star (BSS) and Barbados Service Medal (BSM).

[922F]

Thanks mcdermp. I visited Barbados some years ago and called at Government House on a similar mission. Was able to see some law/regulation documents and insignia but not permitted to copy [phostat or scan] information or make images of the awards. Does Mr. Nicholas still manage decorations issues at Government House? Does Fattorini of Birmingham now supply the insignia?

[Taz]

Does Fattorini of Birmingham now supply the insignia?

Well on the firm web site under military medals there is a thumbnail that shows a few medals with a trident as part of its suspension, could these be from Barbados?

Regards Eddie

[Megan]

Some interesting images (but unlabelled) on the Fattorini site, she says browsing it...

Is this what you mean: http://www.fattorini.co.uk/pop.aspx?pi=jewellersaward5fullsize.jpg&no=9

The ribbons of some of the awards in the bottom row match Barbados police awards that I know of.. and I think that this shows a complete set of Barbados ODM. Anyway, I've just written to them to enquire. Will let you know if anything comes of it!

[Megan]

With a lot of peering at that image I just put up, I think the identifications are as follows: -

Top row, l-r

1. Companion of Honour of Barbados

2. Knight/Dame of St Andrews

3. Crown of Merit, Gold

4. Crown of Merit, Silver

Middle row, l-r

1. Star of Gallantry

2. Defence Force Meritorious Service Star

3. Defence Force Meritorious Service Medal

4. Bravery Medal

Bottom row, l-r

1. Defence Force Medal of Honour

2. Police Force Medal of Honour

3. Fire Service Medal of Honour

4. Prisons Service Medal of Honour

Now on the hunt for better images that I can get permission to use...

[Taz]

Yes those and the ones linked below, first two and last one maybe?

http://www.fattorini.co.uk/pop.aspx?pi=MilliMedal4fullsize.jpg&no=52

Hope you get a reply soon from them =)

Regards Eddie

Edited December 7, 2013 by Taz

[mcdermp]

Megan.

Middle row is Bravery Star, Barbados Service Star, Barbados Service Medal, Barbados Bravery Medal.

The picture posted by Taz is the TD, MSM, EM (But not used now in this design) and the GSM with clasp for Grenada, a second clasp was issued fro Glendairy 2005. There are also a Meritorious Service Cross, and Meritorious Service Star, the former only being issued once.

[Megan]

Thank you 'mcdermp'

Fattorini have replied saying that they are unable to help

[gongz]

Here is some information from some years ago. I cannot confirm that it is still current.

Note: Most of the actual "discs" are only 30mm in diameter (even the Order of St Andrew !!), and most of the ribbons which are plain blue and/or gold (ie without coloured stripes) are FABRICATED from blue and gold stock.

I'll post photos of ALL insignia some time soon when I get around to scanning the photos I have

CONSTITUTION OF THE ORDER OF BARBADOS

THE ORDER OF BARBADOS

1. (1) The Order of Barbados, hereinafter referred to as the "Order", shall consist of a General Division.

(2) Appointments to the Order shall be as -

(a) Knight or Dame of St. Andrew:

(b) Companion of Honour of Barbados;

© holder of The Crown of Merit;

(d) holder of The Barbados Service Award.

(3) Every citizen of Barbados appointed to the Order shall be a member of the Order, and every other person appointed to the Order shall be an honorary member of the Order.

OFFICERS AND COUNCIL OF THE ORDER

2. (1) The Governor-General of Barbados shall be the Chancellor of the Order and the principal Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, as the case may be.

(2) In the absence of the Governor-General, the person for the time being performing the functions of the office of Governor-General, shall discharge the functions of Chancellor of the Order.

3. The Chancellor is charged with the administration of the Order.

4. (1) There shall be a National Honours and Decorations Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Council, which shall consist of

(a) A Minister of the Cabinet nominated by the Prime Minister, as chairman;

(b) the Head of the Civil Service;

© three other persons appointed by the Prime Minister of whom one shall be appointed after consultation with the Leader of Opposition.

(2) A member of the Advisory Council shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of appointment and is eligible for reappointment.

(3) A vacancy in the membership of the Advisory Council shall not preclude the Advisory Council from carrying out its functions.

(4) The Advisory Council shall

(a) consider nominations of persons for appointment to the Order;

(b) make recommendations to the Prime Minister in relation to those nominations;

© advise the Governor-General on such matters concerning the Order as the Governor-General may refer to the Advisory Council for consideration.

5. The Advisory Council may consult with such persons or bodies as it thinks necessary for the purpose of discharging its functions.

6. (1) There shall be a Secretary of the Order who shall be appointed by the Governor-General.

(2) The Secretary of the Order shall be the Secretary of the Advisory Council.

(3) The Secretary shall maintain the records of the Order and of the Advisory Council, and shall perform such other functions in respect of the Order as the Governor-General may direct.

7. The Governor-General may appoint such other officials for the Order as are considered necessary for the purpose.

8. A person is not a member of the Order by reason only of that person being member of the Advisory Council or an official of the Order.

APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORDER

9. (1) Appointments to the Order, including appointments of honorary members of the Order, except appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, shall be made with the approval of the Sovereign by instrument signed by the Governor-General on the Sovereign's behalf, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and sealed with the Seal of the Order and shall have effect from the date of the affixing of the Seal or such other date as may be specified in the instrument.

(2) Appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew shall be made by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister by instrument signed by the Sovereign and sealed with the Seal of the Order and shall have effect from the date of the affixing of the Seal or such other date as may be specified in the instrument.

10. Nothing in this Constitution limits the right of the Governor-General to exercise all powers and authorities of the Sovereign in respect of the Order.

ELIGIBILITY FOR APPOINTMENT

11. (1) Citizens of Barbados are eligible to be appointed as members of the Order.

(2) Persons other than citizens of Barbados are eligible to be appointed as honorary members of the Order.

CLASSES OF AWARDS

Knight or Dame of St. Andrew

12. (1) Appointments of men or women as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew respectively may be made for extra-ordinary and outstanding achievement and merit in service to Barbados or to humanity at large.

(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed as an honorary Knight or Dame, where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados.

13. Where a person who became the principal Knight or Dame of St. Andrew by virtue of holding the office of Governor-General of Barbados ceases to hold office as Governor-General, he or she shall continue to be a Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, as the case may be.

14. Not more than three persons may be appointed as Knights or Dames of St. Andrew on the coming into force of this Constitution, other than as honorary Knights or Dames, and thereafter, not more than three persons may be appointed within a period of every two years to the rank of Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, other than as honorary Knights or Dames.

Companion of Honour of Barbados

15. (1) Appointments as Companion of Honour of Barbados distinguished national achievement and merit.

(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed as an honorary Companion of Honour of Barbados where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados.

16. Not more than five persons may be appointed as Companions of Honour of Barbados on the coming into force of this Constitution, other than as honorary Companions of Honour of Barbados, and thereafter, not more than two persons may be appointed in any year:

Provided that at no time may there be more than fifteen persons, other than honorary Companions, holding appointments as Companions of Honour of Barbados.

The Crown of Merit

17. (1) Appointments as holders of the Crown of Merit may be made for highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sport, civic duties or any other endeavour, worthy of national recognition.

(2) Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), a distinguished person who is not a citizen of Barbados may be appointed to be the honorary holder of the Crown of Merit where it is desirable that the person be so honoured by Barbados.

18. Appointments as holders of the Crown of Merit may be made in either of the grades, in order of preference, of:

(a) Gold, or

(b) Silver.

19. Not more than four persons, other than honorary holders, may be appointed in each of the two grades in any year.

The Barbados Service Award

20. Appointments as holders of the Barbados Service Award shall be made for meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or in any other similar field of endeavour.

21. Appointments as holders of the Barbados Service Award may be made in either of the grades, in order of preference, of:

(a) the Star, or

(b) the Medal.

22. Not more than five persons may be appointed in each of the two grades in any year.

NOMINATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT

23. Any person or organisation may submit to the Secretary of the Order for consideration of the Advisory Council a nomination of a citizen of Barbados for appointment to the Order.

TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP IN THE ORDER

24. (1) A person does not cease to be a member or honorary member of the Order by reason only of that person ceasing to be eligible to be appointed to the Order.

(2) A person ceases to be a member or honorary member of the Order upon

(a) the death of the person;

(b) the resignation of the person from the Order, signified in writing by that person to the Governor-General; and such resignation shall take effect from the day on which that person is informed of acceptance of the resignation;

© the termination of the appointment of that person.

(3) An appointment that has been terminated may be restored by regulation.

TIME OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ORDER

25. (1) Subject to the. provisions of paragraphs 14, 16 and of this paragraph, appointments to the Order, other than honorary appointments, shall be made only once a year in respect of Independence Day.

(2) Honorary appointments to the Order may be made at any time in a year.

(3) Appointments as Knight or Dame of St. Andrew or as Companion of Honour of Barbados in the Order in the year 1980 may be made twice in respect of that year.

Provided that

(i) in the case of Knight or Dame of St: Andrew, not more than 3 persons may be appointed on any occasion in that year;

(ii) in the case of Companion of Honour of Barbados, not more that 5 persons may be appointed on the first occasion, and not more than 2 persons on the second occasion.

DESIGNATIONS AND INSIGNIA

26. (1) A Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, or an honorary Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, is entitled:

(a) to have the letters "K.A." or "D.A." as the case may be, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; and

(b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for Knights or Dames of St. Andrew as the case may be.

(2) A Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, other than an honorary Knight or Dame of St. Andrew, is entitled to the use of the title "Sir" or "Dame", as the case may be, before his or her usually used Christian name immediately on publication of the award.

(3) The award of an appointment as a Knight or Dame of St. Andrew may be conferred on the person to appointed by the Governor-General.

27. (1) A Companion of Honour of Barbados is entitled;

(a) to have the letters "CHB" placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; -

(b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for Companions of

(2) A Companion of Honour of Barbados, other than an honorary Companion of Honour of Barbados, is entitled to the use of the title "The Honourable" before his or her name immediately on publication of the award.

28. A holder of the Crown of Merit is entitled:

(a) to have the letters "GCM", if appointed to the Gold grade, and the letters "SCM", if appointed to the Silver grade, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of 'letters after a name is customary; and

(b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for holders of the Crown of Merit.

29. A holder of the Barbados Service Award is entitled:

(a) to have the letters "BSS", if appointed to the Star grade, and the letters "BSM", if appointed to the Medal grade, placed after his or her name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary; and

(b) to wear as a decoration the prescribed insignia for holders of the Barbados Service Award.

30. When worn in Barbados, the insignia of the Order shall be worn in the prescribed manner.

31. (1) Except as otherwise provided by regulation the insignia of the Order shall remain the property of the Order.

(2) Where a person ceases, otherwise than by death, to be a member, or an honorary member, of the Order, that person shall forthwith return the insignia to the Secretary of the Order.

SEAL

32. The Governor-General shall have the custody of the Seal of the Order.

33. The Governor-General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Constitution, prescribing all matters that are required or permitted by this Constitution to be prescribed or are necessary or convenient to be prescribed for carrying out or giving effect to this Constitution, and, in particular, prescribing matters for or in relation to:

(a) the government of the Order;

(b) the insignia of the Order; and

© investitures.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF THE

SERVICES MEDAL OF HONOUR

SHORT TITLE

1. These regulations may be cited as the Services Medal of Honour Regulations, 1980.

DESIGN OF MEDAL

2. The design of the Services Medal of Honour and of clasps to the medal shall be as prescribed.

CONDITIONS FOR AWARD OF MEDAL

3. The following persons are eligible for the award of the Services Medal of Honour:

(a) members of the Barbados Defence Force;

(b) members of the Royal Barbados Police Force;

© members of the Barbados Fire Service;

(d) members of the Prisons Service.

4. (1) The Services Medal of Honour may not be awarded to a person unless, since he or she attained the age of eighteen years

(a) he or she has served diligently and has been of exemplary conduct for a continuous period of fifteen years in one of the capacities mentioned in regulation 3; or

(b) he or she has served diligently and has been of exemplary conduct in two or more of those capacities for successive periods amounting in the aggregate to not less than fifteen years.

(2) A clasp to the Services Medal of Honour may be awarded after the completion of a further continuous period of service of ten years in any of the capacities mentioned in regulation 3, and an additional clasp may be awarded after the completion of each further period of five years' continuous service.

5. The award of the Services Medal of Honour or a clasp to the medal may be made by the Governor-General on the recommendation of

(a) the Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force, in the case of a member of the Barbados Defence Force;

(b) the Commissioner of Police, in the case of a member of the Royal Barbados Police Force;

© the Chief Fire Officer, in the case of a member of the Barbados Fire Service;

(d) the Superintendent of Prisons in the case of a member of the Prisons Service.

as may be approved by the administrative head of the Ministry of the Government charged with responsibility for the particular service.

WEARING OF MEDAL

6. The manner of wearing the Services Medal of Honour shall be as determined by the Governor-General.

REGISTER OF AWARDS

7. (1) 'There shall be a Registrar of Awards of the Services Medal of Honour who shall be appointed by the Governor-General and who shall maintain a register of the names and other relevant particulars of persons to whom the medal or clasps to the medal have been awarded.

(2) The Registrar shall keep such other records 'relating to the award of the Services Medal of Honour as the Governor-General may direct.

CANCELLATION AND REINSTATEMENT

8. (1) The Governor-General may cancel an award of the Services Medal of Honour or of a clasp to the medal, and may restore an award so cancelled.

(2) Where an award of the Services Medal of Honour is cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1), the name of the person to whom the award was made shall be erased from the register kept in pursuance of regulation 7. and that person shall return the medal, together with any clasps to the medal, to the Registrar.

(3) Where an award of a clasp to the medal is cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1), the entry relating to the award of that clasp shall be erased from the register kept in pursuance of regulation 7, and the person to whom the clasp was awarded shall return the clasp to the Registrar.

(4) Where an award that has been cancelled under the provisions of subparagraph (1) is restored, the Registrar shall restore the entry or entries that had been erased in the register.

REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE AWARD OF

BARBADOS BRAVERY DECORATIONS

SHORT TITLE

1. These regulations may be cited as the Barbados Bravery Decorations Regulations, 1980.

INTERPRETATION

2. In these regulations, "decoration" means;

(a) the Barbados Star of Gallantry; or

(b) the Barbados Bravery Medal.

DESIGN OF DECORATIONS

3. The design of each decoration shall be as prescribed.

CONDITIONS FOR AWARD OF DECORATIONS

4. (1) The Barbados Star of Gallantry may be awarded only for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril.

(2) The Barbados Bravery Medal may be awarded only for acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

5. The decorations may be awarded posthumously.

6. A person shall not be awarded a decoration unless:

(a) he or she is a citizen of Barbados; or

(b) not being a citizen of Barbados, or she has

(i) performed in Barbados an act for which a decoration may be awarded under these regulations; or

(ii) performed outside Barbados an act for which a decoration may be awarded under these regulations, being an act that merits recognition by Barbados as an act in the interest of Barbados.

NATIONAL HONOURS AND DECORATIONS ADVISORY COUNCIL

7. (1) There shall be a National Honours and Decorations Advisory Council, hereinafter referred to as the Advisory Council, which shall consist of:

(a) a Minister of the Cabinet nominated by the Prime Minister, as Chairman;

(b) the Head of the Civil Service;

© three other persons appointed by the Prime Minister of whom one shall be appointed after consultation with the Leader of the opposition.

(2) A member of the Advisory Council shall hold office for a period not exceeding three years from the date of appointment and is eligible for re-appointment.

(3) A vacancy in the membership of the Advisory Council shall not preclude the Advisory Council from carrying out its functions.

8. (1) The Advisory Council shall;

(a) consider nominations of persons for the award of a decoration:

(b) make recommendations to the Prime Minister in relation to those nominations;

© advise the Governor-General on such matters concerning the decorations as the Governor-General may refer to the Advisory Council for consideration.

(2) The Advisory Council may consult with such persons or bodies as it thinks necessary for the purpose of discharging its functions.

9. (1) The Secretary of the Order of Barbados shall be the Secretary of the Advisory Council.

(2) The Secretary of the Advisory Council shall maintain a register of the names of persons to whom decorations have been awarded and such other records relating to the award of decorations as the Advisory Council considers necessary and perform such other functions in respect of the award of decorations as the Governor-General may

direct.

AWARDS

10. (1) The award of a decoration may be made with the approval of the Sovereign by an instrument signed by the Governor-General on the Sovereign's behalf, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister.

(2) Nothing in these regulations limits the right of the Governor-General to exercise all powers and authorities of the Sovereign in respect of the award of decorations.

NOMINATIONS

11. Any person or organisation may submit to the Secretary of the Advisory Council for consideration by the Advisory Council a nomination of a person for the award of a decoration.

DESIGNATIONS AND WEARING OF DECORATIONS

12. (1) A person to whom the Barbados Star of Gallantry has been awarded is entitled:

(a) the have the letters "S.G." placed after his name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary;

(b) to wear the prescribed decoration in the manner prescribed.

(2) A person to whom the Barbados Bravery Medal has been awarded is entitled

(a) to have the letters "BM" placed after his name on all occasions when the use of letters after a name is customary;

(b) to wear the prescribed decoration in the manner prescribed.

4

Order of Precedence of Barbados

Honours and Awards

In connection with the institution of Barbados Honours and Decorations with effect from 27th July 1980, approval hat been given by Her Majesty The Queen of the following Order of Precedence of the Barbados Honours and Awards:

Knight or Dame of St. Andrew

Companion of Honour of Barbados

Crown of Merit, Gold grade

Barbados Star of Gallantry

Crown of Merit, Silver grade

Barbados Service Star

Barbados Bravery Medal

Barbados Service Medal

Services Medal of Honour

Approval has also been given of the following Order of Precedence of Barbados Honours and Decorations in relation to British Honours and Decorations:-

Order of Precedence of Barbados Honours and Awards vis-a-vis British Honours and Awards

(The Barbados Decorations are indicated in bold type)

Victoria Cross

George Cross

Knight of the Garter

Knight of the Thistle

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath

Order of Merit

Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

Knight Grand Cross of the order of the British Empire

Companion of Honour

Knight or Dame of St. Andrew

Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath

Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Knight Bachelor

Companion of the Honour of Barbados

Companion of the Order of the Bath

Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George

Crown of Merit (Gold)

Commander of the Royal Victorian Order

Commander of the Order of the British Empire

Star of Gallantry

Companion of the Distinguished Service Order

Member of the Royal Victorian Order (4th Class)

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

Crown of Merit (Silver)

Companion of the Imperial Service Order

Member of the Royal Victorian Order (5th Class)

Barbados Service Star

Member of the Order of the British Empire

Royal Red Cross (1st Class)

Distinguished Service Cross

Military Cross

Air Force Cross

Royal Red Cross (2nd Class)

Barbados Bravery Medal

Distinguished Conduct Medal

Conspicuous Gallantry

George Medal

Queen's Police Medal for Gallantry

Queen's Fire Service Medal for Gallantry

Distinguished Service Medal

Military Medal

Distinguished Flying Medal

Air Force Medal

Queen's Gallantry Medal

Barbados Service Medal

British Empire Medal

Queen's Police Medal for Distinguished Service

Queen's Commendation for Brave Conduct

War Medals

Polar Medal

Royal Victorian Medal

Imperial Service Medal

Services Medal of Honour

Long Service Medals

Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service.

Insignia for the Barbadian

Honours and Decorations

1. The Barbados honours and decorations are as follows, in order of precedence:-

1. Knight or Dame of St. Andrew (K.A./D.A.)

2. Companion of Honour of Barbados (C.H.B.)

3. Crown of Merit, Gold (G.C.M.

4. Barbados Star of Gallantry (S.G.)

5. Crown of Merit, Silver (S.C.M.

6. Barbados Service Star (B.S.S.)

7. Barbados Bravery Medal (B.M.)

8. Barbados Service Medal (B.S.M.)

9. Services Medal of Honour

2. The decorations relating to all the awards are of a standard length of 6.0 cm overall, and 3.25 cm in overall width except in the case of the two most senior awards which are each 3.5 cm in overall width.

3. The decoration consists, generally, of a medal of 3.0 cm. in diameter resting on a ribbon in the national colours which has a pin on the back, at the top, to allow the decoration to be affixed to the clothing.

4. Only one side of the medal carries the design.

5. None of the decorations is of the style for wearing around the neck.

6. The design of each of the awards is common to men and women.

7. Miniatures of the decorations are available in a size to accord with the existing miniatures of British awards for use by persons entitled to them who elect to wear Formal Dress on occasions appropriate for such attire.

8. The insignia for the Barbadian Awards are as follows:-

(i) Knight/Dame of St. Andrew

A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue, which is 1.5 cm in depth, has the pin at the back affixed to it; the gold is 3.5 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar, rests a blue enamelled circular medal bearing the white diagonal cross of St. Andrew, with dolphins taken from the Coat of Arms of Barbados, in gold on either side of the cross looking inwards; the second blue of the ribbon is fringed and is 1.0 cm in depth.

(ii) Companion of Honour of Barbados

A ribbon of blue and gold horizontal bands, the first being blue and 1.5 cm in depth has the pin at the back affixed to it, then another depth of 4.0 cm in blue on which rests a medal in gold metal consisting of a 5.0 mm horizontal bar having attached to it a 12-pointed star containing the Coat of Arms of Barbados in gold on a white enamelled background encircled in blue enamel with the words "Companion of Honour. Barbados". The gold of the ribbon then follows below the other part of the ribbon and is 5 mm in depth, fringed.

(iii) Crown of Merit

A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue of which is 1.5 cm in depth has the in at the back affixed to it; then follows the gold of 4.0 cm in depth on which rests, suspended from a narrow metal bar in gold, a blue enamelled circular medal bearing on it a crown in gold, the second blue of the ribbon is 5.0 mm in depth, fringed.

(iv) Barbados Star of Gallantry

A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in blue on which, suspended from a 5.0 mm horizontal bar, inscribed with the words "For Gallantry", rests a 6-pointed star containing in the centre of it the broken trident, enamelled in black. Then follows, below, a fringe in gold, 5.0 mm in depth.

(v) Silver Crown of Merit

A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed, then follows a broad band of gold 4.0 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests a blue enamelled circular medal, bearing on it a crown in silver, then follows, a fringe in blue, 5.0 mm in depth.

(vii) Barbados Service Star

A ribbon of blue, gold and blue horizontal bands, the first blue of which is 1.5 cm in depth on to which the pin at the back is affixed, then follows the gold of 4.0 cm in depth on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests an 8-pointed star in silver (being one 4-pointed star superimposed on another 4-pointed star containing the Pride of Barbados flower, enamelled in red, in the centre of it. Then follows, a fringe in blue, 5.0 mm in depth.

(vii) Barbados Bravery Medal

A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in blue, on which, suspended from a 5.0 mm horizontal bar inscribed with the words "For Bravery", rests a circular silver metal containing the broken trident enamelled in black in the centre of it. Then follows a fringe in gold, 5.0 mm in depth.

(viii) Barbados Service Medal

A ribbon of narrow 5.0 mm horizontal bands of blue, gold and blue at the top, on to which the pin at the back is affixed-, then another depth of ribbon of 4.0 cm in gold on which, suspended from a narrow metal bar in silver, rests a circular medal, containing the Pride of Barbados flower enamelled in red in the centre of it. Then follows a fringe in blue, 5 mm in depth.

(ix) Services Medal of Honour

A ribbon 2.0 cm in depth at the top, with vertical broad stripes of blue, gold and blue, the blue each being 1.O cm in width and the gold being 1.25 cm in width. The pin at the back is affixed to this 2.0 cm depth. Then follows a depth of ribbon of 3.5 cm in blue on which, suspended from a horizontal bar of 5 mm, inscribed with the words "Police Force" or "Fire Service" or "Defence Force" or "Prisons Service", as the case might be, rests a circular silver metal medal circumscribed with the words "Services Medal of Honour", containing in the centre the Coat of Arms of Barbados in gold. Then follows a fringe in gold, 5 mm in depth.

The broad gold vertical stripe in the top 2.0 cm depth portion of the ribbon has the following superimposed upon it so as to identify the Service to which it particularly relates:

(a) in the case of the Police Force:

Two narrow vertical red stripes, each of 3 mm width, equally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe;

(b) in the case of the Fire Service:

One narrow vertical red stripe, 3 mm wide, centrally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe:

© in the case of the Defence Force"

Two narrow vertical green stripes, each of 3 mm width, equally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe;

(d) in the case of the Prisons Service;

One narrow vertical green stripe, 3.0 mm wide, centrally dividing the broad gold vertical stripe.

[Megan]

Excellent stuff... is there a date to this document?

[gongz]

Dated July 1980, but was still current as late as 1995, and possibly still so.......

Graeme

[gongz]

Please note: all of the blue and gold colours should be the same shade over the whole range - those shown on the St Andrews medal are correct. On some ribbons the edges of a blue ribbon (very thin) appear behind the full width gold ribbon. This is because the ribbon is fabricated with both blue and gold stock. Likewise the gold bar on some ribbons is actually a piece of gold ribbon sewn to the main blue colour so as to appear as a bar.

Images taken many years ago, on film, hand held camera - apologies for colour variations etc

Here are the images I have, in order of precedence.

Knight or Dame of St. Andrew

Companion of Honour of Barbados

Crown of Merit, Gold grade

Barbados Star of Gallantry

Crown of Merit, Silver grade

Barbados Service Star

Barbados Bravery Medal

Barbados Service Medal

Services Medal of Honour, Police, Fire, Defence, Prisons

[taras]

Wow!!! Splendid! Thank you for sharing!

[Megan]

Magic... especially as I am coming up a blank trying to find any images!

Graeme, is there any chance you'd permit me to use your images on my website? Full acknowledgement given, of course.

[922F]

Even Mr. Nicholas [mid-'90s] at Government House did not have all of the awards illustrated in gongz images! A true tour-de-force! Sincere thanks!!

Returning to Dragomir's original query.......Little wonder, after seeing these images, that the Order of the Dolphin design posted by Stange would represent, by most standards, a major upgrade in overall appearance and ease of differentiation among Bajan awards. However, perhaps the government in power in the 1980s did not want to have expensive/'overly ostentatious' appearing awards for either political or financial reasons. And, if Stange management's implication was that the design was offered in the 1990s and not taken up for whatever reasons is accurate, apparently there was not a desire to 'upgrade' the honors system then.

[taras]

Doesn't this Colombian trident look like Barbadian one?