Members of the public are invited to submit nominations to be considered for the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for the 2016 New Year’s Honours.

Government House and the Cabinet Office announced the next round of nominations should be received by Friday, December 4.

Nominees should be individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Bermuda’s society, with typical categories and achievements including:

• making a difference to their community or field of work;

• enhancing Bermuda’s reputation;

• long-term voluntary service;

• innovation and entrepreneurship;

• changing things, with an emphasis on achievement;

• improving life for people less able to help themselves;

• displaying moral courage and doing difficult things.

Honours are given to people involved in activities, including:

• community, voluntary and local services

• arts and media

• health

• sports

• education

• science and technology

• business and the economy

• civil or political service.

Governor George Fergusson said in a statement: “This is a process that used to be very closed. Now anyone can nominate people who have really made a difference in their community — earned respect, changed things, made things better for others, displayed moral or other courage.

“Everyone must know someone who comes into these categories. Not everyone can be given an award, but anyone can be nominated, with a good case made for them. And I would urge people to think about how these community heroes can be acknowledged.”

Nominations can be made throughout the year and will be reviewed in November and December for the New Year’s Honours, and in April and May for the Queen’s Birthday Honours in June.

Michael Dunkley, the Premier, stated: “There are many people in Bermuda who tirelessly provide excellent service to our community, going above and beyond the call of duty, often with little or no fanfare.

“We have an opportunity and obligation to recognise those who have donated their time and talent to helping others.

“I urge anyone who knows someone who is deserving of being considered for a Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour to complete an application form and submit it to the Cabinet Office.”

Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.gov.bm and must be submitted to the Cabinet Office by Friday, December 4, at 5pm.