2017 Queen’s New Year’s Honours List Revealed
Her Majesty the Queen has recognized a number of Bermudians in her annual New Year’s Honours List, with Andrew Dobson, Glenda Edwards, Catherine Lapsley, Lt. Col. William White, Steve Cosham, Arthur Wightman, Gary Madeiros, Michael DeCouto, Denise Riviere, Dr. Joseph Froncioni, Fiona Beck, Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves, Tom Miller, Andy Cox, Kilian Whelan, Mikaela Pearman, Andrew Dias, Shane Rowe, Greg Muir, Dede Cooper, Alan Burland, Adam Barboza, Vicki Abraham, and Rob Walley all being honoured for their contributions.
The announcement follows below:
Her Majesty, The Queen, has recognized the following in her annual New Year’s Honours List:
Andrew Dobson: Andrew Dobson is recognised for his generous voluntary contributions to the Bermuda community over the last 28 years. Mr. Dobson makes a significant contribution to the protection of Bermuda’s natural environment, in particular birds and their habitats, through his work with, and presidency of, the Bermuda Audubon Society [BAS]. Mr. Dobson has a deep passion and expert knowledge of birds, which he shares in a variety of ways. In addition to his presidency of BAS and of BirdsCaribbean, he gives unpaid lectures on birding, leads nature walks, birding excursions, weekend birding camps for adults and children, and gives bird-loving visitors tours of the island, all as a volunteer. He has worked with the BUEI and the Bermuda Zoological Society on a variety of wildlife and environmental projects, including construction of bluebird boxes and organising clean-ups of reserves. Mr. Dobson’s contribution to conserving and educating others about our natural environment has a positive impact on Bermuda. In addition, he has devoted considerable time to the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Programme. He also devotes time to the Bermuda Festival.
Glenda Edwards: Glenda Edwards has dedicated her life to promoting and protecting the safety and wellbeing of Bermuda’s children and families. Her advocacy for children has made a real difference in the lives of Bermuda’s young people. A career in Social Work led to her position as Supervisor of the Department of Child and Family Services for over 30 years, where she was known for her commitment and passion for her work. Her work included the areas of child abuse, foster care, adoption and custody evaluation. Her skills as a supervisor made her well respected by her team and she guided the DCFS through a reorganisation. She was a founding member of KEMH’s Child Protection Team and a member of the High Risk Interagency Committee. She contributed valuable input when various Acts related to child protection and adoption were revised and implemented. She was presented with a “Trailblazer” award by the DCFS to honourthe contributions and sacrifices she made as a Social Worker. Mrs Edwards has devoted many hours to a variety of Charities. Since her retirement, she has dedicated many hours of her time to facilitate SCARS training; since 2012 she has trained close to 2,000 adults in sexual abuse prevention. SCARS [Saving Children and Revealing Secrets] aims to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse. Mrs Edwards is also a Director of the Board. Additional organisations to which she has contributed: reading mentor with YouthNet, assisting with BIFF Kids, Youth Protection Officer with the Rotary Club, and as docent at the National Trust Property, Verdmont, among others.
Catherine Lapsley: Catherine Lapsley has, as Executive Director of the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies [BFIS], worked tirelessly to support Bermudian students who are seeking further education and careers in Insurance, a mainstay of our economy. In addition to shepherding a scholarship programme, Mrs. Lapsley also mentors students, provides networking and resume advice, and even hones interview skills for job seekers. Mrs. Lapsley has been the Executive Director of BFIS since 1997, one year after it was established by industry leaders. She was the sole member of staff for a decade. BFIS has distributed $5.5 million in scholarship money to over 150 students, and most are now working in the insurance industry. Mrs. Lapsley has been instrumental in guiding programmes such as the mentor programme and the annual intern programme. The latter takes students to London, Chicago and Atlanta as well as Bermuda during the 3 week programme. Mrs. Lapsley also works with those changing careers or newly graduated job seekers. She has touched thousands of lives through her efforts, and believes in developing the talents she sees here and make sure all that opportunities are known. Her latest effort is the ‘one stop shop’ www.bermudascholarships.com. She found time to collaborate with the late Reggie Mong on Bermuda’s Heritage 1609- 1984. The Bermuda Society of Arts and Amnesty International have also benefited from her time and energy.
The ACBDA Group Queen’s Certificate photo includes: Andy Cox, Kilian Whelan, Mikaela Pearman and Andrew Dias. [Missing from group photo: Shane Rowe, Greg Muir, Dede Cooper, Alan Burland, Adam Barboza, Vicki Abraham and Rob Walley]
Queen’s Certificates awarded to recipients for their ACBDA service
The organisation of the 2017 America’s Cup was a unique accomplishment. It was achieved through a combination of exemplary volunteer assistance and professional contribution.
The efforts of those involved in delivering and managing the America’s Cup resulted in the national image of Bermuda being considerably enhanced around the world. The America’s Cup would not have been achieved without the contribution of the recipients’ time, knowledge, professionalism, leadership and dedication.
Two America’s Cup groups are being recognised in The Queen’s Honours this year.
- Group 1] Individuals who served as Chairpersons and in some cases Deputy Chairpersons of the various America’s Cup Bermuda [ACBDA] committees.
- Group 2] Individuals who worked extraordinary hours since 2015 to assist in delivering a successful America’s Cup to Bermuda and thousands of visitors to our shores.
Group 1:
Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour recipients for their ACBDA Committee service include
Lt. Col. William White: As chair of the Security Committee, Lt. Col. White worked to plan and coordinate aspects of security on land and water for AC35, including public and private entities both local and international.
Steve Cosham: Serving as the deputy chair of Security, Insp. Cosham, worked tirelessly in tandem with Chair of Security to ensure a safe event for residents and visitors.
Arthur Wightman: As chair of the Legacy & Sustainability Committee Mr. Wightman worked toward ensuring the America’s Cup sustainability in terms of economic development, social development, environmental protection and a long-lasting and positive legacy for Bermuda. Also as the leader for PwC Bermuda, Mr. Wightman was instrumental in ensuring PwC’s unwavering support and sponsorship for the highly successful Endeavour Youth Sailing Programme.
Gary Madeiros: As the deputy chair of the Legacy & Sustainability Committee, worked in tandem with the Legacy & Sustainability chair to ensure the lasting impact of the America’s Cup.
Michael DeCouto: As the chair of the Communications Committee, Mr. DeCouto is cited for his leadership, management and coordination of aspects associated with the on-island awareness and communications of the America’s Cup. Mr. DeCouto and his team worked with relevant partners internally and externally to keep the public informed and updated on all America’s Cup activity and events as they related to Bermuda and the community.
Denise Riviere: As the chair of Local Business Opportunities, Ms. Riviere worked with the ACBDA to lead a dedicated working group to connect local business opportunities with service providers. Ms. Riviere and her team worked closely with local business advocates such as Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.
Fiona Beck: As chair of the Telecommunications & Technology Committee, Ms Beck’s role was to address all aspects of telecommunications and ensure the Island’s infrastructure was prepared for all America’s Cup telecom and technology requirements.
Dr. Joseph Froncioni: As chair of the ACBDA’s Medical Committee, Dr. Froncioni and his team coordinated all aspects of medical service coverage plans [medical, first aid, evacuation and clinical] required for the America’s Cup events including public safety on land and water in addition to medical and personnel and assets for race support.
Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves: The delivery of a comprehensive transportation plan and ensuring adequate transport infrastructure for land, sea and air traffic during the America’s Cup events was the responsibility of the Transport Committee Chair, Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves.
Tom Miller: As chair of the Volunteers and On-Water Operations Committee for the ACBDA, Mr. Miller worked to coordinate comprehensive marshalling of the public as well as the coordination of on water and VIP spectator vessels to ensure an enjoyable and safe viewing experience for spectators.
Group 2:
A collective [or group award] Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is awarded to the following ACBDA representatives
- Andy Cox – CFO and Accounts Committee Chair
- Kilian Whelan – Chief Operating Officer
- Mikaela Pearman – Communications Assistant
- Andrew Dias – General Manager of WEDCO
- Shane Rowe – Head of Operations and Logistics
- Greg Muir – ACBDA Consultant and Advisor
- Dede Cooper – Concierge and Director of Hospitality
- Alan Burland – Project Manager, Operations Member
- Adam Barboza – Project Manager and Lead for on the water operations
- Vicki Abraham – Director of Communications and Marketing
- Rob Walley – Director of Joint Agency Control Centre
Hmmm yep Bermuda is 2 Worlds.
Yes how dare all those get rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Much of it volunteer work.
They should all be deported at once. Bermuda for Bermudians!
Yes, I think the same every time I look at the list of candidates that the PLP puts forward for their election campaigns.
Why oh why do you give a damn about who does / doesn’t receive a Queens award – are you Rolfe in disguise ?
Just looking at the list of awardees graphically illustrated why the OBA would lose the election only weeks after these names were submitted.
The blind spot continues.
No PLP heroes here and no anti equality medals for some no Preserve marraige medal for others next year full debt medals for all
Is it me or did some people didn’t make the cut?
Congrats to this diverse group of Bermudians handed top level position for Americas Cup! And these were the visible benefactors..
Not one pepper spray victim … Sad
Pepper spray victim? They were rioters, and should have been jailed.
No, criminals usually get no awards.
Really? I beg to differ.
That’s cos getting an award usually means you actually have to do something. Sitting on the wall don’t count.
Complaining, Lying and Marching must count for something?
5years x 365 days x 24 hours = 43,800 hours of pain ….
TO COFFEE:
These names were submitted BEFORE the great P.L.P. took/ regained power.
These chosen are NO BETTER than any of us.
Right…the pepper spray nonsense will not be rewarded.
P.L.P. will put that in place NEXT YEAR!!
Remember, the minister for defense, at that time, took no responsibility for the police behaviour.
Bermudians have moved beyond HIM and view better futures !!
Pepper spray people already got what they deserved that is why we call them “pepper spray people”.
This simply looks like the Ac awards one can tell that they
Were picked before July 18 th
no the pop Peoples Lying Party aint done squat since being elected as a dictatorship
Congratulations to the recipients to a person they all deserved this award..
However I am appalled that Mike Winfield and Peter Durhager were not given even a mention… And then of course there is Grant Gibbons who should have received the highest award for spearheading this remarkable moment in Bermuda’s History..
Someone was sound asleep at the switch……..
So if I got a job with the ACBDA then I would get a queen honor too!? This is such a bunch of BS!
You have to get off your oversized rear end and actually do something worthwhile. Which is why you will never get one.
Sitting at home keeping it real ensures you will never get an award.
Spoken just like somebody like you would..
Getting a job would be a good start.
Disgusting that they are in the same group as the other three who have dedicated their lives to helping others.. work for ACBDA for two years and get a award..
Congratulations to Cathy Lapsley for the recognition of her work with BFIS.
Why were Grant Gibbons, Peter Durharger, Mike Winfield, Somers Cooper, Jasmine Smith and Michael Dunkley not included ? It seems to me they were among the top mainstays of the team. Something sounds ‘fishy’ to me ……..
I agree, the above people brought this event to Bermuda.
Agree Moonbeam..
To those of us who really know, just where is Jasmine Smith? Grant Gibbons? and Peter Durhager? What about Laura Cutler with Team BDA day in, day out for weeks and weeks?
Congratulations to all recognised and honoured by our Queen.
I appreciate the details that follow each awardee to give us a sense of their valuable service to Bermuda. What a tremendous contribution to Bermuda you have all made – thank you.
Wishing everyone on this list and in Bermuda a safe, meaningful and purposeful 2018 and beyond.
I am glad that Bermudians working for America’s Cup were successful in gaining recognition. However, all is not roses in the Onion Patch. While we applaud front runners, there is a segment in retail that are suffering because of ACBDA causing the lowest year for sales in the Dockyard area. To make up last summer’s losses, shop operators have increased consignment fees. A norm of 30% has increased to 35-40% -an unbelievable taxation on goods made in Bermuda. Artists, craftspeople who struggle to produce quality goods for Bermuda are being penalized by America’s Cup, and once established, the fees will remain fixed, so in turn, they are paying for America’s Cup for the rest of their working lives. How much longer can those Bermudians trying to give the island local products survive? These are the long-suffering people who truly need the recognition for services done for the island, not only for the current year, but for all the years to come. Sorry, but America’s Cup leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
I know two retailers in Dockyard who had a great year.
Complain about diversity now but crickets chirp when you look at the diverse group of PLP mps.
The privilidged never want to join an organisation that aims to remove their privilidge. Then they blame them for not being diverse… I can’t with you people.
You seem to have a bit of an attitude. That’s unfortunate. Perhaps you should get a life.
All because 97 per cent of white people will not join nor vote for the PLP “fork” although they do not mind black people joining and/or voting for their party.
I wonder why?
Some things in Bermuda never change.
“Sorry, but America’s Cup leaves a bad taste in my mouth.”
That’s not the cup you’re tasting, sweetie.
I can never undeserstand why people are rewarded for jobs that they are being paid to do. This is nothing whatsoever to do with race, religion or political affiliation. The only people I would rate as being eligible for recognition would be, Peter Durhager, Mike Winfield and Grant Gibbons. Without their hard work and tenacity this AC would have been a non starter. If you worked for AC you were paid, if you work for the insurance Institute you are paid, so why this recognition? In my opinion it should be opened up to all retirees if this is indeed the criteria being used.
“Acegurl” you were doing well until you made the very racist comment that “this had nothing to do with race”.
What’s next that you have a black friend.
Bizarre to award people who were hired and paid to do a job…and, lets be honest, were led very well by the acea, and put them up there with the many extraordinary volunteers in our community who have been rightfully recognised and awarded by the queen over the years.
I could perhaps see awarding some of the volunteers and senior comittee members for acbda.
I think we do need the media to provide answers as to why grant, durhager and winfield left off…
This i think might be a oddest list ever and what the heck were they thinking moment!
the award that iam working for does/nt come from man or woman think about that
Now we know which side of the two Bermuda’s meets the queen approval; as to me I would give the Bermudian patriots of DEC 2 who stood up for country a Bermuda award for their courage in defending the national rights of their country.
You go for it Alvin.
The Chipmunks would be proud!
The protesters who got pepper sprayed were acting unlawfully against a duly elected Government of Bermuda who are all Bermudians, and the police are almost entirely Bermudian.
While we’re about it, please clarify the 2 Bermudas which keep getting mentioned. Who/what are these 2 parts?
what rights needed defended?
Oh u mean those little green participation ribbons alvin? So their feelings dont get hurt? Ok u can have one
There are at least 9,999 people who are very deserving. You got left out !
Impressive.
OBA supporters are upset on who’s not on the list.
PLP supporters are upset at who is on the list.
Good ol’ politics.
Alvin,
I think the bozo awards get announced next week. You should be a no-brainer for that!
Shame Flora wasn’t mentioned.
And the band played on.
Happy New Year.
This is ridiculous. You’d have thought OBA won 24 – 12. PLP can do better than this. Where is Rev. Tweed , Chris Furberts ??