Four Named In Queen’s New Year Honours List

Her Majesty the Queen has recognized Louise Jackson, Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour, Kathleen Ester Ford and David Michael Thompson in her New Years Honours List 2014.

Former MP Louise Jackson was honoured for her public service and service to seniors, Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour for his service in tourism and the arts, Kathleen Ester Ford for her service to the community, while David Michael Thompson was honoured for his services to Bermuda’s youth and missionary work.

Mrs Jackson was awarded an OBE, while Mr Seymour, Ms Ford and Mr Thompson were awarded Queen’s Certificates and Badges of Honour.

L-R: Louise Jackson, Stan Seymour, Kathleen Ford and David Thompson

Mrs. Louise Jackson, OBE

For public service and service to seniors. Louise Jackson stepped down as a Member of Parliament in December 2012, however she continued to remain active in public life. In recent years, she has devoted her efforts and energies towards advocating for the fair and equitable treatment of Bermuda’s seniors.

She has been a tireless health campaigner, commanding respect across the social and political spectrum. Mrs. Jackson has been involved in all areas of public service having served on numerous boards and committees.

Most recently she was appointed by the Governor, George Fergusson to serve as a member of the Security and Defence Review Committee, a committee whose aim was to provide a comprehensive assessment the Island’s security needs. She was a teacher for the majority of her adult life and has helped in the development of children in Bermuda for many years.

As the Founder of the National Dance Theater of Bermuda, she contributed to shaping Bermuda’s cultural landscape. Mrs. Jackson was recognised in 1979, for her service in the arts.

Mr. Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour

For service in tourism and the arts. Stan Seymour is considered one of Bermuda’s foremost entertainment ambassadors. Stan Seymour’s career has spanned nearly 60 years, starting at the age of 18.

He became a household name in the 1960s and 1970s, and was known as the King of Calypso. He was a singer with the Milt Robinson Trio, was a member of the Coral Islanders and played with Brian Butterfield and the Bermuda Authentic Limbo Dancers.

As a song writer, composer and singer, his music reflected his observations and fond memories of Bermuda. During his lifetime of service, Stan “Lord Necktie” Seymour has helped tremendously in creating the Bermuda aura that has sustained this Country as a tourism destination for so many years.

Mrs. Kathleen Ester Ford

Service to the community. Kathleen Ester Ford has devoted much of her life to helping those in need.

On a weekly basis, Mrs. Ford opens her home to serve meals and provide comfort and support to the Island’s seniors and the less fortunate.

It is not uncommon for Mrs. Ford to host a free lunch for upwards of 40 people each Saturday afternoon. Her selfless, generous nature and the devotion of her time and resources has been a blessing to many in our community.

Mr. David Michael Thompson

Services to Bermuda’s youth and missionary work. David Thompson is a member of Christ Church, Warwick and the president of Bermuda Overseas Missions.

This local charity has made a significant contribution to many in Bermuda, as well as to more than 420 people in 14 countries, including Botswana, Brazil, Colombia, India and Romania.

Formed in 2006, part of the charity’s mission is to provide the people of Bermuda, from all backgrounds, ages and faiths, with the opportunity to make a difference by addressing global issues, and by building houses in countries where a critical need exists.

More than half of the volunteers with Bermuda Overseas Missions are young people. Mr. Thompson is of the view that the success of Bermuda’s future rests with our youth, and he believes that their involvement in missionary work and community service will aid in shaping them into responsible, well rounded and compassionate adults.

- Photos/bios provided

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