MBE for the Vice-Consul in Ibiza

Last Saturday was the second most important day in the life of the British Vice-Consul to Ibiza, Helen Watson. For it was last Saturday when she was officially informed that she has been awarded the MBE, Member of the British Empire. “I'm very pleased and very proud,” she said yesterday. “I cried when I learnt the news.” “Apart from the birth of my daughter, it's the most important thing to have happened in my life.” The official announcement did not come completely out of the blue, she said that she had been asked a few weeks before, whether or not she would accept “of course I would,” she said. However, Helen Watson, said yesterday that she is not too sure why she has been awarded the MBE. Helen Watson took over as Vice-Consul to Ibiza two years ago, but she was no stranger to the highly demanding and sometimes very testing job. Prior to her appointment, Watson had been working as a “pro consul” in the office for 17 years filling in for the Vice-Consul when absent on holiday or official business. Having served the British government in Ibiza for the past 19 years, Watson agreed that the MBE could well be in recognition for her services. Before working at the Vice-Consul office she was a representative for tour operator Thomson and has now been living and working in Ibiza for 28 years. This year she says is similar to last year, Watson has not noticed much difference in the tourism market, despitethe recent reports of a drop in bookings. “Everything's fine,” she says as she waits for her invitation to Buckingham Palace to be presented with the MBE.