Kyron McMaster Makes History as Youngest BVI Recipient of Order of the British Empire (OBE)

Kyron McMaster was honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty The King, recognising his outstanding contributions to sports in the British Virgin Islands.

26-year-old McMaster, the 31st BVI recipient of the OBE, is now the youngest Virgin Islander to receive this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of the first awardee, Sir Olva Georges, in 1960.

The list of distinguished individuals who have received the OBE over the years reflects a legacy of outstanding service to the British Virgin Islands, with Kyron McMaster’s name now etched among the esteemed recipients.

At the age of 21, McMaster secured the British Virgin Islands’ inaugural Commonwealth Games gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast, Australia. This triumph came amidst the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricane, which claimed the life of McMaster’s coach and mentor, Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels.

Undeterred by adversity, McMaster has achieved remarkable milestones in his athletic career, claiming victory in the Diamond League, securing gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and earning a silver at the 2023 World Track and Field Championships in Budapest—the first-ever medal for the British Virgin Islands at this prestigious event. McMaster also made history as a finalist, securing fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, clocking a National Record time of 47.08.

Beyond his athletic achievements, McMaster dedicates himself to community service, actively supporting and inspiring young individuals in his homeland and championing grassroots sports initiatives.

Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious honour, McMaster stated, “To represent the BVI has always been my dream, and this award illustrates the gratitude of my country and the wider UK family that, as an individual, no matter how small the territory, we can make a significant contribution and be recognised for such.”

His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG applauded McMaster’s recognition, stating, “Kyron has placed BVI on the sporting map across the world and given cause for national celebration even in some of the most challenging times in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane. Off the track, Kyron continues to inspire, using his own experience to motivate young students and athletes. I offer my warmest congratulations to Kyron.”

List of OBE Recipients Over the Years:

• Mr. Kyron McMaster – 2023
• Ms Lynette Harrigan – 2022
• Mr. Peter Haycraft – 2020
• Mrs. Rosalie Adams – 2018
• Mrs. Eileene Parsons – 2013
• Mrs. Lorna Ginerva Smith – 2011
• Mr. Reynold Stanley O’Neal – 2005
• Mrs. Edris O’Neal – 2003
• Dr. Robin Erskine Tattersall – 2001
• Mrs. Eugenie Etheline Todman-Smith – 2000
• Miss Dancia Penn – 2000
• Dr. Daniel Orlando Smith, MBE – 2000
• Rev. Julian Clarke – 1999
• Mrs. Ruth Evans – 1999
• Dr. Charles Hugo Wheatley – 1996
• Mr. Audley Maduro – 1993
• Mr. Marvie Elton Georges – 1989
• Mr. Clarence M Christian – 1983
• Dr. Q W Osborne – 1980
• Mr. Percy Chubb (Hon) – 1978
• Mr. J A Frost – 1977
• Mr. Kenneth Bain – 1976
• Mr. Ivan Dawson – 1976
• Mr. Ralph T O’Neal – 1975
• Mr. Howard R. Penn – 1974
• Mr. I G Fonseca – 1973
• Mr. Carlton DeCastro – 1972
• Mr. McWellington Todman – 1970
• Mr. Henry O Creque – 1968
• Mr. Jospeh Reynold O’Neal – 1967
• Sir Olva Georges – 1960