Six Bermudian artists who raised the bar for arts and culture on the island were honoured by the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport.

Ernest Peets celebrated the six men and women during the Bermuda Arts Council’s annual awards ceremony on Sunday at the Earl Cameron Theatre in City Hall, Hamilton.

Dr Peets said: “Each of our distinguished recipients has in one way or another shaped our community with their creativity, commitment and passion and we are for ever grateful for their contributions to Bermuda.”

He added: “This occasion is particularly poignant because the arts have suffered tremendously during the last two years of the pandemic.

“So it's wonderful that we can come together to recognise and highlight the importance of art in all its forms during this ceremony.”

The late Ted Ming, the former lead vocalist and band leader of the Bermuda Strollers, was posthumously awarded the Founder Award for his visionary work as a musician and his work as an ambassador for Bermuda Tourism.

Major Kenneth “Toki” Dill received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as the former Bermuda Regiment Bandmaster and a current music teacher.

Marjorie Pettit was also given a Lifetime Achievement Award for services to music over a 55-year career.

Paul and Penelope Leseur each received a Patron Award for their support towards the arts in Bermuda.

Daren A. Herbert, an actor and dancer known for his role in the Netflix comedy series Kim’s Convenience, received the prestigious Earl Cameron Award for his career in film, theatre and the stage.

• UPDATE: this article has been amended to clarify that the award presented to Marjorie Pettit was for services to music over a 55-year career. Contrary to the release put out by the Department of Communications, she is not the director of music at the Bermuda School of Music. That is a position held by Kent Hayward. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.