Lt. Colonel Sébastien Manzoni receives the Gendarmerie Medal from General Jean-Marc Descoux during the ceremony in La Savane on Saturday. (Photo Robert Luckock)
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Former Préfète of the Région of Guadeloupe Marcelle Pierrot pins the Officer of the Legion of Honour medal on the lapel of Préfète Anne Laubies. (Photo Robert Luckock)
MARIGOT--Préfète Déléguée Anne Laubies was among several persons receiving national decorations for military or civil achievements at a ceremony held in the headquarters of the Gendarmerie in La Savane on Saturday.
Préfète Laubies was awarded the Officer of the Legion of Honour decoration, the highest French order of merit award for excellence in military or civilian achievements for her distinguished career in the civil service. The medal was bestowed upon her by former Préfète of the Region of Guadeloupe Marcelle Pierrot. Préfète Laubies is reportedly due to retire this year.
Earlier during a military ceremony, Lt. Colonel Sébastien Manzoni, Commandant of the Gendarmerie in St. Martin and St. Barths, was awarded the Silver grade of the Gendarmerie Medal, the highest interior medal for officers, for his leadership in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes. He received the medal from General Jean-Marc Descoux.
The Knight of the National Order of Merit medal was awarded to five persons; Commandant of Police au Frontières Jean-Luc Deras (awarded by Préfète Anne Laubies), and Ludovic Durand (also awarded by Préfète Laubies), Fire Chief Cleo Gumbs (awarded by Gilles Bazir), and Doctor Pierre-Yves Merlet.
Doctor Merlet was recognized for working tirelessly and selflessly to help patients in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma from a tent in the car park of Sandy Ground Cultural Centre after his surgery room was destroyed in the storm. His decoration was awarded by Sous-Préfète and Secretary-General Régine Pam.
