Suggestions to honour people who have made lasting contributions to Bermuda’s history and heritage are now being accepted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

The window for nominations, which are reviewed by the naming and recognition committee, will close on November 12.

The seven-member group is also able to consider recommendations for renaming public sites and creating monuments in a National Hero’s honour.

Under the National Heroes Act 2024, the process comes every ten years.

The accolade is considered the island’s highest recognition for exceptional and enduring service to the community, with a public holiday observed each year on the third Monday in June.

Included in the naming and recognition group will be a committee head, three members recommended by the minister, one member recommended by the Opposition leader and two members of the general public recommended by the head of the committee.

Dame Lois Browne-Evans, a barrier-breaking lawyer, politician and civil rights advocate, was the first to receive the honour.

In 2009, the holiday was moved to June to replace the King’s Birthday Holiday

Bermuda has recognised eight National Heroes, with Sir John Swan, the former premier, added in 2016.

Sir John was the only living person to receive the accolade, which has since been revised by legislators to be a solely posthumous distinction going forward.

Nominations can be made online via the government website.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, called it “a rare honour that reflects the exceptional nature of the individuals recognised”.

He added: “The new legislation formalises the process to ensure the selection of National Heroes is based on established standards of service and character, free from political or temporary influences.”

Mr Darrell said nominees should embody “dedication, ethical leadership and a lasting positive impact on Bermuda”.

“Their contributions should stand the test of time, demonstrating relevance to both past and future generations.”