Our good friend and former colleague, Orson Daisley, is celebrating his 75th birthday on Tuesday 27th April and despite the continuing Covid crisis worldwide and the added problems with volcanic ash currently falling on their home in Barbados from the La Soufrière volcano erupting in nearby St. Vincent, we extend our very best wishes to Orson and his lovely wife Madeline as they celebrate Orson’s birthday.
Orson was born and raised in Barbados and he made history when he applied for and was accepted as one of the first contingent of recruits from the West Indies to join the Bermuda Police back in February 1966. The group also included Vendal Bridgeman, Algernon “John” McConnie, Anthony Timothy, Ralph Sealy, Erskine Warner and Robert “Bob” Strickland.
Basic Training Course #7
They attended Training Course No. 7 at the Police Training School at Prospect, along with local recruits, Clive “Tango” Burgess, Ray Sousa, Gertie Barker (Cannonier), June Dickenson, Pearl Trott and young Cadet Steve Dean.
Orson clearly showed his exceptional abilities when he was awarded the Baton of Honour for his Course.
His first posting was to Eastern Division, St. George’s where he also spent time in Eastern CID.
In 1970 Orson was transferred to Operations in the records room where he continued to serve until his promotion to Sergeant in September 1973 at which time he was transferred to Central Division as a Watch Sergeant.
Orson spent time as a Sergeant working in CID, in the Murder Room, and in the Criminal Records Office, along with additional spells in Hamilton, St. George’s and the Traffic Department, before moving to “E” Department (Travel Control) in 1980 which seemed ideal for his talents as a meticulous and most conscientious police officer.
Orson and Madeline were married on 15th October 1983, and have been happily married for the 37 years.
Orson received his Colonial Police Long Service and Good Conduct medal in February 1984 in a ceremony at Government House
After joining the Bermuda Police in 1966 as the first contingent from Barbados
Following his retirement from the Bermuda Police Service, Orson attended Concordia University in Montreal for two years doing computer studies. On returning to Bermuda he worked at the Bank of Bermuda/HSBC, then worked at BAS Bermuda Aviation Services as Chief Operating Officer, Airport Operations. He was appointed as Bermuda’s first Aviation Security Officer in July 2002.
Following his “final” retirement Orson and Madeline moved to Barbados in 2006 and have settled there while still keeping in touch with their family.
What many of his former colleagues may not be aware of is the passion that Orson and Madeline have always shared for gardening. Both Orson and Madeline are active life members of the Barbados Horticultural Society and are proud of their own garden which is often open to the public and for which they have won many trophies and prizes in the Barbados Community Independence Association garden competitions.
These photos were taken of their garden when it was covered in ash following the recent La Soufriere volcano eruption in neighboring St. Vincent. We understand that the ash and dust is expected to continue to fall for at least the next 3-4 weeks and maybe longer, so in addition to having to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, they are having to constantly sweep ash and dust inside their home and wash down their porch and pathways.
The Daisley's Garden 2 weeks after La Soufriere volcano
Looking on the bright side, gardening is more than just a passion in the Daisley household. Through his involvement in the Barbados Horticultural Society, Orson has represented Barbados as a member of their team competing in the prestigous Annual Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show where they won Gold four years in a row.
A very happy and smiling Orson with members and friends of the Barbados Team
Orson with his much loved Jack Russell "Missy"
This has been an exceptionally difficult year for all of us but it has been a pleasure to put this article together and to wish our good friend Orson a very Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns.
We have also received the following well wishes from Orson and Madeline’s friends and family, and if you would like to add your own best wishes please free to send them to us at info@expobermuda.com or write them in the Comments section below the article.
Orson, on behalf of your former colleagues, friends and family here in Bermuda and around the world, I would like to wish you a Happy 75th Birthday. This pandemic means that you will not have a grand birthday party surrounded by your friends and family, however, I am sure that Madam Madeline will be more than enough company to help you celebrate this significant milestone.
So, on behalf of EXPO Bermuda, your friends and colleagues we thank you for your service and the legacy with the Bermuda Police Service and wish you the best of health, and love as you and Madeline celebrate your special day. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Calvin Smith
President
Bermuda Police Service
Ex-Police Officers Association
With Love From: Aliz
I would like to wish Orson a very happy 75th birthday. Although we were on the same orientation course in the Bermuda Police Force our friendship surpassed the police and our families were very close with our sons growing up together in prospect. I was also welcomed in their home in Barbados and shown around his wonderful home country. Madeline and Orson are an amazing couple and I wish them many happy years together.
Happy 75th Birthday Orson
It is hard to believe that 55 years ago we were in a group of young people from different countries and walks of life that took part in a basic Police training course. Besides for the excellent training, I believe every recruit contributed a part of themselves from their life experiences.
For your part you, Orson, were recognized at the beginning as the Academic in the group; and justly got the baton of honour at the end of the course. Experts say that good students learn not just from lessons and instructors; but from fellow students. I know it is true in my case regarding basic training and I have used that knowledge all my life. In any case with us working together we all passed the course. Thanks for your help.
I sincerely wish you a Happy Birthday and plan to join you in the " 75 Club" in the near future.
Raymond Sousa