Dunkley And Phillips In King’s Honours List
Michael Dunkley and Jennifer Phillips have been recognized in the King’s 2025 New Year Honours List, with Mr Dunkley receiving a CBE for his service to Bermuda and Ms Phillips awarded the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her contributions to Bermuda’s arts community.
The Hon. Michael H. Dunkley CBE – for services to Bermuda:
The announcement said, “Michael H. Dunkley has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire [CBE] in the King’s 2025 New Year’s Honours for his services to Bermuda.
“Michael Dunkley retired from active politics on March 31, 2024, following a distinguished career. He was a Member of the Bermuda Legislature from April 1997, and from May 2014 to July 2017, Michael Dunkley served as Premier of Bermuda.
“During his political tenure, Michael Dunkley also served as Deputy Premier, the Minister of National Security, Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister of National Security and Health.
“He is widely recognized throughout Bermuda as a successful and astute businessman, Michael Dunkley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dunkley’s Dairy, President of Island Properties Ltd, and the President of Dunkley’s Management Holdings Ltd.
“Even though he has stepped down from active politics, he has continued his dedicated service to the community. He has been a fierce advocate of anti-violence in Bermuda, seeking solutions to ensure the safety of those affected.
“Michael Dunkley also considers philanthropy and supporting Bermuda’s charitable organisations as one of the most important roles in his life following his political service. Over the course of his career, he has dedicated his efforts to supporting and uplifting countless Bermudians.
“Michael Dunkley credits his family’s support in all his achievements, and celebrates this honour with his wife Pamela, daughters, Christine and Brooke, and his three grandchildren.
“Away from his political career and charitable pursuits, Michael Dunkley is also an avid sportsman, finding joy in all sports disciplines. He is a former premier division soccer and cricket player, and was an avid squash, tennis and basketball player. He was also the past President of the Mid Ocean Club [from 1999- 2005 and 2008 – 2011].
Jennifer L. Phillips – for services to the arts in Bermuda:
“Jennifer L. Phillips has been passionate about the arts for over four decades. She has deep roots in the artistic community even from a young age, having trained as a dancer first with the Jackson School of Performing Arts, and with United Dance Productions (UDP). Jennifer was a member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and the Bermuda Dance Company and has performed both locally and internationally.
“An experienced stage manager, Jennifer has also worked closely with the Department of Culture as the organiser and host of the annual Premier’s Concert for over a decade.
“Jennifer served as Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC). She stepped down from that post in 2023 after serving 10 years in various capacities. As the Chair for the BAC, her roles included overseeing the distribution of government grant funding for artistic projects, plus managing an annual educational scholarship for students of the arts. She also led the planning and execution of the BAC Awards Ceremony honouring Bermuda’s pillars of the arts.
“Her current role at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) is one of her greatest passions. Jennifer has played a key role at BNG since 2015, when she joined as Office Administrator. She has served as BNG’s Executive Director since 2023, and during this time, she has championed initiatives that elevate Bermuda’s visual arts and foster community engagement.
“Most recently (November 2024), BNG has launched the inaugural Junior Bermuda Biennial, a groundbreaking extension of the Gallery’s flagship Bermuda Biennial, which has been a cornerstone of Bermuda’s contemporary art scene for over 30 years. Jennifer is most proud of her team that conceived and launched this new Junior Biennial, providing an internationally juried platform for young artists aged 5-17, showcasing their creativity and giving them the opportunity to be part of a national exhibition of the highest caliber.
“Jennifer has hailed the 2024 Junior Bermuda Biennial as a vibrant new chapter for the Bermuda National Gallery. Her work on this initiative has been her most fulfilling to date and underscores BNG’s commitment to nurturing and developing the next generation of local artists.
“Jennifer Phillips’ deep understanding of Bermuda’s arts and culture, and her experience in all aspects of our community’s creative endeavors has helped to inspire creativity, and form a steppingstone to future success of so many in our arts community. This year’s King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is recognition of Jennifer’s significant contributions to Bermuda.”
Good on them both.
Well deserved.
How nice but politically so incorrect and why many of us refuse them and were shocked when Dr. HODGSON TOOK IT. There is no empire!!!! and to take it, really says you are not about change but everything that came with EMPIRE. Shocking. GOD SAVE the King. But: What about the rest of us? ( Next year I nominate Joe Bloggs for a knighthood if he can tell us where the round table is.)
Seek help!
I don’t belive that politicians should get on the honors list.
Congratulations to both and thank you both for your service to Bermuda.
Joe bloggs ???????????????? yes they shall knight him