The first black Director of Tourism, a chairwoman of the Bermuda Monetary Authority and an acclaimed artist have been named in the Queen's New Year's Honours List.

Former civil servant Gary Phillips and BMA chairwoman Cheryl-Ann Lister are to receive an OBE, while distinguished artist Chesley Trott is to be given an MBE.

Mr. Phillips has been described as an "exceptional public servant". As Postmaster-General, he steered the modernisation of the postal service and as Director of Tourism, led Bermuda into the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO).

A Government spokeswoman said: "Whilst at the Cabinet Office Mr. Phillips (as Acting Cabinet Secretary) was also responsible for technical support in the negotiation and successful completion of the US Tax Treaty, which laid the groundwork for Bermuda's success in the international business sector.

"In the cultural community Mr. Phillips is known as a committed supporter of the arts, and caused the Gombey Dancer to become a wider symbol of Bermuda's tourism product."

Mr. Phillips and his wife Patricia, of Paget, are renowned 'Gombey historians'. The 64-year-old also contributes to the arts as a member of the Ensemble Singers.

He is chairman of the Bermuda National Gallery, a consulting secretary to the Berkeley Institute Board of Governors and a former member of the Bermuda Arts Council.

Mrs. Lister, 51, of Somerset, is the current chairwoman of the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee and a mother-of-four to Keysha, Latisha, Monique and James.

Her chair of the BMA was described by a Government spokeswoman as "a period of impeccable stewardship which has had a marked positive impact on the preservation of Bermuda's international reputation in the financial services sector".

She added: "Her continuing contribution to the success of this principal pillar of Bermuda's economy is significant and her recent work in the development of the legislative package required to ensure Bermuda's high level of compliance with international standards is consistent with her commitment to safeguard Bermuda's international standing.

"Mrs. Lister has been a leader in the establishment of the enviable regulatory regime for which Bermuda is internationally recognised."

Mrs. Lister told The Royal Gazette last night: "I am honoured. It has been a pleasure to serve my country thus far and I have a lot to thank God for. I would also like to thank my family, friends and colleagues who have been very supportive."

Sculptor and artist Mr. Trott's career spans some 64 years and includes teaching in public schools and many solo exhibitions.

The spokeswoman said: "His works are visual expressions of his hopes, dreams, experiences and interests. Mr. Trott is a mentor to many and has devoted his time to working with inmates within the Department of Corrections, inspiring them to express themselves through their art."

Among his pieces is an 8ft Bermuda Cedar sculpture in the Customs Hall of L.F. Wade International Airport. Mr. Trott has recently completed a sculpture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Theatre Boycott, to be unveiled next year, and is also working on a piece to mark the arrival of the slaves aboard The Enterprise at Barr's Bay in 1835.

Mr. Trott, 78, of Southampton, said that when Government telephoned him yesterday to tell him of the MBE, he initially thought it was a joke.

"It is totally unexpected and I really do feel honoured," he said. "When the Government called I thought it was one of my friends playing around. It hasn't really sunk in yet."

Mr. Trott says he is "very proud" of his work with inmates, and also enjoys teaching private students at his workshop at Dockyard.

n Nine to receive Queen's honour – page 5