Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, has recognised Joe Billy Oge, representing Solomon Islands, as the 208th recipient of the Commonwealth Points of Light award in honour of his exceptional voluntary service to the 'Solomon Islands Scout Association'.
Joe Billy Oge, aged 45, is Chief Commissioner of the 'Solomon Islands Scouts Association' (SISA) and has been a key figure in the organisation's transformation and revitalisation in the country. Joe's leadership was instrumental in seeing the 'Solomon Islands Scout Association' accepted into the 'World Organisation of Scout Movements' for the first time.
Joe has also led projects to construct waterproof shelters for homeless children, delivered programmes to improve climate change awareness, and encouraged more women and girls to take part in the Scouts, making 'Solomon Islands Scout Association' one of the most gender-diverse and balanced organisations in the country.
As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London 2018, Her Majesty The Queen - as Head of the Commonwealth - is thanking inspirational volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising a volunteer from each Commonwealth country every week.
By sharing these stories of service, the Commonwealth Points of Light awards celebrate inspirational acts of volunteering across the Commonwealth and help inspire others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
Joe said:
I would like to thank the British Government through the office of the former British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Brian Jones for my nomination to this award. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Scout Leaders and Volunteers in Solomon Islands, both past and present, for the tireless work that you have contributed to the Scout Movement.
Through the Pandemic the Scouts Association in Solomon received its standing at the World Level as the 172nd Member of the 'World Organisation of Scout Movements'. Let us continue to give to this generation and prepare them to take on the challenges of this age.
Tom Coward, British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Nauru, said:
I am so pleased that Joe is being recognised by Her Majesty the Queen for his outstanding work as both and educator and a champion for youth in Solomon Islands. Through his work in the 'Solomon Islands Scout Association', Joe has helped young people to learn, grow and to make a positive impact in their community.
The Commonwealth is a diverse community of 54 nations that work together to promote prosperity, democracy and peace. The Heads of Government meeting brought together leaders from all the 54 Member countries to reaffirm common values, address shared global challenges and agree how to work to create a better future for all citizens, especially young people.
Voluntary service is a vital part of this agenda, which is why Her Majesty The Queen has chosen to recognise outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth in this special way.
