Two Bermudians have been recognised for their contributions to the island on the New Year’s Honours List.

Michael Dunkley, the former premier, has been appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, and Jennifer Phillips received the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to the arts.

Mr Dunkley retired from active politics on March 31 this year after serving from April 1997, including as premier from May 2014 to July 2017.

Mr Dunkley’s other roles were Deputy Premier, Minister of National Security, Opposition leader and Shadow Minister of National Security and Health.

He is the president and chief executive of Dunkley’s Dairy, president of Island Properties Ltd, and the president of Dunkley’s Management Holdings Ltd.

He told The Royal Gazette: “I am floored, I never expected anything like this.

“I got involved in politics and public service as I have never been the type of person who wants to sit on the sidelines. I wanted to help the community and make a difference.

“I’m certainly humbled and honoured to be nominated, and for the King to approve the CBE.

“While the award is in my name, I couldn’t have done it without my family — my mother, my wife, our two daughters and two sons-in-law. While my sacrifice was on the front line, they were always right there with me.

“I urge everyone to get involved and serve our country. We are blessed to live in the most beautiful place on Earth. I may not be on the front line now, but I am always willing to help.”

A former Premier Division footballer and cricketer, Mr Dunkley is an avid squash, tennis and basketball player, and past president of Mid Ocean Club, from 1999 to 2005 and 2008 to 2011.

Ms Phillips has been passionate about the performing arts for more than four decades, having trained in modern dance and ballet with the Jackson School of Performing Arts from age 4.

Ms Phillips was a member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and United Dance Productions and has performed locally and internationally.

She is an experienced stage manager, having worked closely with the Department of Culture on the annual Premier’s Concert for more than a decade.

Ms Phillips served as chairwoman of the Bermuda Arts Council, stepping down last year after a decade, with roles including overseeing government grant funding for artistic projects and managing an annual arts educational scholarship.

She led the planning and execution of the BAC Awards Ceremony.

She is one of the longest-serving staff of the Bermuda National Gallery, playing a key role since 2015 when she joined as office administrator.

Ms Phillips has served as executive director since 2023, championing the visual arts and fostering community engagement.

In November, she was critical in launching the inaugural Junior Bermuda Biennial, an extension of the BNG’s flagship Bermuda Biennial.

It provides an internationally juried platform for artists aged 5 to 17, giving them the opportunity to be part of a top national exhibition, and is to become a core part of the BNG’s biennial programming.

Ms Phillips said: “I am humbled to be recognised for my contributions to Bermuda’s arts and culture community.

“I am immensely proud to receive this honour, which shines a spotlight on the Bermuda National Gallery, particularly at this time when we are focusing on developing the next generation of local artists.”