Louise Jackson has been honoured by the Queen with an OBE for her years of public service and work for the Island’s seniors.

The former MP is one of four Bermudians celebrated in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List for 2014, along with Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour for his service in the arts and tourism, Kathleen Ester Ford for her community service, and David Michael Thompson for his service to Bermuda’s young people, and his missionary work.

Mr Seymour, Mrs Ford, and Mr Thompson each received a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour.

Mrs Jackson spent most of her life as a teacher before entering the world of politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the United Bermuda Party, and later the One Bermuda Alliance. She formally stepped down as an MP last December.

In addition to her work advocating for the fair and equitable treatment of seniors in Bermuda, she has also served on numerous boards and committees. She was most recently appointed by George Fergusson to serve as a member of the Security and Defence Review Committee, aimed at providing a comprehensive assessment of Bermuda’s security needs.

Outside of her work in politics, Mrs Jackson founded the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda, and was recognised in 1979 for her service to the arts.

“This honour is a reflection of the way in which the community has worked with me as a Member of Parliament,” Mrs Jackson said this afternoon.

“Together we have addressed issues and challenges in the delivery of health services and the care of our seniors. The dignity of seniors, in particular, has been my focus and the most important aspect of my political career. It’s a privilege to serve and be awarded the Queen’s honour.”

Mr Seymour, known as the King of Calypso, was honoured for his work as one of the Island’s foremost entertainment ambassadors.

The Bermudian musician began performing at the age of 18 and became well known in the 1960s and 1970s. During his nearly 60 year career he sang with the Milt Robinson Trio, was a member of the Coral Islanders and performed with Brian Butterfield and the Bermuda Authentic Limbo Dancers.

As a singer, songwriter and composer, Mr Seymour is also credited with helping to create the international image of Bermuda as a tourist destination.

Mrs Ford was honoured for her work in the community, opening her home to serve meals and provide support for Bermuda’s seniors and less fortunate.

She offers free lunches for as many as 40 people every Saturday afternoon, and was hailed for her ”selfless, generous nature and the devotion of her time and resources has been a blessing to many in our community”.

Mr Thompson, the president of the Bermuda Overseas Missions, was honoured for his contribution both to the people of Bermuda and the residents of the more than a dozen countries the charity has aided.

Since the Bermuda Overseas Missions was founded in 2002, it has offered Bermudians of all backgrounds, ages and faiths an opportunity to make a global difference by building homes overseas for those in desperate need.

More than half of the volunteers in the organisation are young people, and Mr Thompson has said he believes their involvement in missionary work will help shape them into responsible, well rounded and compassionate adults.