And while Assistant Commissioner of Police Howell Gillett was once known as a cricketer, this week, he's known as the cop who went to Buckingham place.
As we told you he went to what's basically the headquarters of the monarchy to collect his MBE medal - and he got it directly from the Princess Royal, Ann, who is the King's aunt.
Gillett has been gushing about his Buckingham visit - while his boss the Compol seemed not too impressed.
Undaunted by that, he told us today via zoom why it's such a big deal:
ASP Howell Gillet
"It's the first Belizean police officer who has gone to Buckingham Palace in over 100 years."
"Other commissioners of police who received the award, the similar award, in the country of Belize, but nobody has ever gone to Buckingham Palace. In the past, by tradition, it was for commissioners of police."
Jules Vasquez
"I am told that Lynden Flowers had gotten the same award as a sergeant."
ASP Howell Gillet
"Well, I'm not aware of that based on my recollection, but if he did, I want to congratulate him."
Jules Vasquez
"So I saw you speaking - You had quite an exchange with Princess Anne. What was that like?"
ASP Howell Gillet
"Well, she told me of her visits to Belize and how she was delighted to have Belizean there. And what it tells me and the people who work along with me is that we're doing some of the right stuff."
"As a matter of fact, I held meetings with my community counterparts in London, where we discuss ideas and I've learned from them and I'm sure they have learned from me as to what we do in Belize. But although my name is written fully on this honor, it is a shared honor."
"It is for those who have supported me over the years in this dream, in this quest to have a safer Belize. I think all of Belize should be proud of what has transpired last week Thursday at Buckingham Palace."
Jules Vasquez
"What do you make of the commissioner's reaction. He did not see him impressed."
ASP Howell Gillet
"Well, I will say this. I want to stick to the celebrations because it's a euphoric feeling at this moment. I want to stick more to that and not to what might have been said by the commissioner."
Jules Vasquez
"He's your boss though."
ASP Howell Gillet
"Yes, but that's okay, man. We can't have only positive remarks. That would never happen. For years to come, we won't have only positive remarks, but I am happy with those who have congratulated me and I'm grateful for that."
Gillett joins about 5 other police officers who have received one of the Queen's Honours.
