‘The Queen of Court Street’ will be remembered today with the launch of a special business award.

Priscilla Wilkinson, who died in 1986, once dominated business life at the back of town and owned a large stretch of Court Street.

Now the Priscilla Wilkinson Business Recognition Award will be used to honour entrepreneurs in the area.

Author and former minister Dale Butler recalled Ms Wilkinson as a stern but kind Court Street personality who was shrewd with real estate and provided quiet help to many.

Her generosity included buying Mr Butler a new typewriter after Ms Wilkinson noticed his letters to the editor were no longer appearing in The Royal Gazette.

Mr Butler said: “She bought the one I wanted, the most expensive one, even though she hated my letters.

“Beneath her stern exterior was a really big heart.

“At one stage she owned the whole east side of Court Street from Dundonald to Angle Street.

“She was a self-made woman who saved a penny, turned it into a shilling and turned a shilling into a pound.

“She was a kind-hearted, thoughtful and caring person, who was very quietly helpful to charities, and many individuals.”

Mr Butler added: “She gave advice to people in trouble with the law, sometimes providing bail, and many people in need, big and small, came to her. My only concern is that many rarely gave thanks. But she continued to help where she could.”

Walton Brown, Minister of Home Affairs and one of the area’s MPs, will launch the award at the former site of Ms Wilkinson’s business, the Paramount Restaurant and Variety Store, where she gave customers the Montserrat greeting “Ah, wah your want?”