Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, as Head of the Commonwealth, has today, 6 May, recognised Inspector Rosemarie Isles Joseph, representing St. Kitts and Nevis, as the 224th Commonwealth Point of Light in honour of her exceptional voluntary service supporting young people across St. Kitts and Nevis through explorer clubs and activities.
Inspector Isles, aged 53, is a Police officer who created a series of Explorer Community Youth Clubs to provide a safe space for children and young people at risk of gang violence and crime. Inspector Isles set up the first club in 2017 in the Molineux and Phillips neighbourhoods, with its success leading to the creation of further clubs across the country.
With thirteen Explorers Clubs now established in different communities, and an approximate membership of 1400 children in St. Kitts, Inspector Isles is poised to launch the first club in Nevis in a few weeks. The clubs run after-school programmes, field trips and camping opportunities during school holidays, and have a particular focus on cadet parades and drills to help build discipline and camaraderie.
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 inspiring volunteers across the 54 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond, by recognising one 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 encourage others to make their own contribution to tackling some of the greatest social challenges of our time.
The award for Inspector Isles also comes as the Queen’s Baton for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham travels to St. Kitts and Nevis, the latest stage of its 294-day-long journey to every corner of the Commonwealth. As part of its journey, the Baton Relay is showcasing inspiring individuals and communities from across the Commonwealth, sharing stories of hope, solidarity and collaboration.