Bermuda’s Supreme Court and Magistrates’ Court recently recognised the hard work of the Family Court’s special panel.

The panel serves as a “special court” which deals with matters that involve families and young people.

It is appointed by the Government, with members sitting alongside magistrates during sessions of the special court.

A total of 38 panel members attended a recent reception at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute to thank them for their dedicated service to the island.

A government spokeswoman said: “Governor Rena Lalgie thanked all panellists for their invaluable assistance to families and the Courts.

“She praised their diligence, compassion, and commitment to achieving effective and fair outcomes.

“Her Excellency also presented certificates of appreciation to them to acknowledge their service, including to the longest-serving member, Roderick ‘Roddy’ Burchall, who served for 46 years and was appointed to serve by successive governors.”

Members of the judiciary, including Chief Justice Larry Mussenden, Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe, senior magistrate Maxanne Anderson and magistrate Maria Sofianos, also used the opportunity to commend the panellists for their efforts.

The special panel members are: Denise Astwood, Wendy Augustus, Annette Barclay, Hope Berg, Delano Bulford, Roderick Burchall, Elaine Charles, Marlene Christopher, Dorlene Cruickshank, Jennifer DeRosa-Holder, Deborah Evans, Herman Eve, David Frith, Patricia Hall, Judith Hall-Bean, K. Randy Horton, Robert Horton, Kerry Judd, Alan Lugo, Veronica Outerbridge, Linda Perry, Gwyneth Rawlins, Mary Samuels, Kenneth Scott, Kenrick Shillingford, Carol-Ann Simmons, Cornelia Simmons, Melvin Simmons, Orin Simmons, Colin Smith, George Smith, Gladwin Dean Smith, Debra Swan, Kathy-Ann Swan, Llewelyn Trott and Linda Tucker.