MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Punta Arenas British Honorary Consul honoured with MBE

HMA Mr. Howard Drake OBE

Two of Britain's Honorary Consuls in Chile have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen in this year's New Year's Honours List. Iain Hardy, Honorary Consul in Valparaiso and John Rees, Honorary Consul in Punta Arenas, were each awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Commenting on the awards, the British Ambassador, Howard Drake, said: "I send my warmest congratulations to Iain and to John. These awards are very well deserved and reflect Her Majesty's recognition of the hard work and dedication of two remarkable Honorary Consuls. Both Iain and John have provided outstanding service to British interests in Chile, and in particular to British citizens in need of assistance. They have also played a very important part in reinforcing the traditionally close links between the UK and the V and XII regions of Chile". Iain Hardy, British Honorary Consul in Valparaiso commented: "I am aware that there are many whose contribution to Britain and British interests has been far greater that mine, therefore I am delighted and greatly honoured to receive this award." John Rees, Honorary Consul in Punta Arenas, added: "I feel very happy and honoured by this award which makes my family, my friends and myself very proud and thankful." Iain Hardy has been Honorary Consul in Valparaiso since April 1998 while John Rees has been Honorary Consul in Punta Arenas since January 1992. Mr Hardy and Mr Rees will receive their awards at investiture ceremonies in the course of 2009. Since Mr. Rees is not a UK national his award is styled "Honorary", which is not the case with Mr. Hardy who had dual UK/Chilean nationality. The Member of the Order of the British Empire is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement or service to the community. Honours lists are published twice a year at New Year and in June on the date of The Queen's official birthday.