Nine Bermudians were recently honoured by the Bermuda Arts Council at its annual Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony.

Describing the event as "a most important moment in Bermuda's cultural and artistic calendar", Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs Wayne Perinchief paid tribute to the honourees, whom he called the "giants" of the community.

"They are persons who have not only contributed much to the artistic and cultural landscape of Bermuda, but have also excelled in their particular area of expertise," he said.

The Minister expressed his "profound sense of gratitude" for the work and contributions of the honorees.

Awards were presented in three categories: Lifetime Achievement, Founder's and Patron's.

Recipients of Lifetime Achievement awards were: musician, composer and recording artist Milt Robinson, for his work and contributions to music and the entertainment industry; June Clarke Caisey, for her many years of work in the entertainment industry; Olivette Burch Morris for her contributions as a musician and music teacher; Janice Warner Tucker, for making and designing gombey constumes for many years, and for promoting the gombey art form here and abroad through her creativity. Mrs. Gwen Cann was recognised posthumously for her passion for the visual arts; the legacy she left through her work, and in the lives she influenced.

Founder's awards, established to pay homage to Bermudians deemed by the Arts Council to be "cornerstones" upon which arts in the community were built through their efforts and zeal, were given to musician Eddie Ming and historian Dr. Edward Harris. Film maker Erroll Williams was recognised posthumously for his documentary, 'When Voices Rise'.

The Patron's Award went to businessman Colin (Dusty) Hind, who is well known for his generous and long-standing support of the arts in Bermuda.