Police Officers Honoured At BOT Awards
Four Bermuda Police Service officers — Sergeant Helen McHugh, Detective Sergeant Zoenique Williams, Detective Sergeant Courtney Simmons and Inspector Karema Flood — were recognised among the top nominees from the British Overseas Territories at the 2026 BOTs Women in Policing Awards.
A police spokesperson said, “Four Bermuda Police Service [BPS] officers were recently selected among the best, from nominees across all 14 British Overseas Territories [BOTs], after each was recommended by at least one of their local peers.
“Their awards were presented during a virtual ceremony, featuring policing colleagues from the UK and other British Overseas Territories, held 11am Wednesday, 29th April 2026.
“Hosted by Bermuda’s Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons, in his capacity as Chairperson of the British Overseas Territories/UK Women in Policing Coordination Group, the local officers recognised were:
- Sergeant Helen McHugh — Winner, Leadership Award.
- Detective Sergeant Zoenique Williams — Winner, Inspirational Woman Award.
- Detective Sergeant Courtney Simmons — Winner, Courage Award.
- Inspector Karema Flood – Highly Commended, Outstanding Contribution Award.
“Also in attendance at Hamilton Police Station for the virtual ceremony – Deputy Commissioner Na’imah Astwood [who serves as Executive Sponsor for the Bermuda Police Service] and Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns, the BPS Chair of the Women in Policing Network – as well as BPS colleagues, family and friends of the local awardees.”
In offering his hearty congratulations, Commissioner Simons highlighted that, “These awards exist to recognise the outstanding work of women across the policing family. But they reflect something broader than individual achievement. They reflect the culture we are building here at the BPS; one where courage is supported, leadership is developed, and contribution is recognised.”
Detective Sergeant Williams, Sergeant McHugh, Detective Sergeant Simmons & Inspector Flood
