Almost 30 seniors were honoured this weekend at the annual Seniors Awards Ceremony at the Fairmont Southampton.

The event, hosted by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs to pay tribute to the island’s seniors, recognised the contributions of 29 honorees for their efforts to improve the island, such as volunteering with the Red Cross and cooking for the Salvation Army’s night shelter.

Among those honoured at the ceremony were seven centenarians; Kathlyn Dyer, Olivette Burch Morris, Lefroy Place, Ismay Steede, Theresa Leonora Trott, Iris Williams and Mary Williams.

Several special couples were also recognised, including Malcolm and Elvia Eve, Gladwin and Lillian Hall and Harry and Vera Trott.

Others recognised included Mary Burchall, Barbara-Jean Burgess, Margarita Crofton, Charles MacDonald Marshall, Marie Ming, Yvonne Pearson, Phyllis Pedro, Audrey Pitcher, Grace Pitcher, Vernon Ivor Grant Rawlins, ER Leroy “Tubby” Richardson, Joan Eleanor Roberts, Brenda Saunders, Carolyn Jean Todd, Lois Lorraine Weeks, and Cora Virginia Wilson.

The seniors were also honoured through the release of a booklet of biographies, highlighting their accomplishments and contributions to Bermuda.

Sylvan Richards, the Minister of Social Development and Sports, told attendees: “Many of this year’s honorees have shown a consistent and compassionate desire to be of service to others; not just because you feel that it is the right thing to do, but because you take great pride and pleasure in doing so.

“The government is excited and proud to showcase the highlights and accomplishments of our country’s seniors, and we will continue to lend our support to the generation that weathered great challenges over the years in order to help shape and deliver the Bermuda we live in and love today.

“On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I would like to offer my sincerest gratitude to this year’s honorees. Not only have you served as upstanding role models in our community, but you are outstanding Bermudians as well, and an example of what we should all aspire to be when we reach our golden years.”

Meanwhile, Michael Dunkley, the Premier, said the government would continue to work to enhance the quality of life of the island’s seniors and recognise their valuable experience and contributions to the community.

“I urge all residents to solemnly affirm their support and respect for all senior citizens living in these islands,” he continued. “Let us encourage a reverence for life and awareness of the needs of the elderly and work to improve the quality of life for all people in our community.”