Photos: 2026 Bermuda National Trust Awards

The 2026 Bermuda National Trust Awards honoured individuals, schools, organisations and volunteers whose outstanding contributions have helped preserve and promote Bermuda’s natural, cultural and environmental heritage.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Awards are an annual celebration of individuals and organisations whose work helps protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The 2026 awards were presented on 25 June at Verdmont Museum by Minister of Public Works & Environment, Jaché Adams, and Bermuda National Trust President, Mark Orchard.

Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education

“The Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education was awarded to Paget Primary School for its whole-school project, Bermuda Heroes. Now in its eighth year, the project encourages students to research and interview individuals they consider community heroes. Notably, many of the people selected are unsung heroes from all walks of Bermudian life whom the students felt deserved recognition and celebration.

“A Heritage Education Certificate was presented to Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation for its impactful programmes that enable young people to explore Bermudian identity, history and culture through art, gardening and creative education.

“A second Heritage Education Certificate was awarded to Elliot Primary School for its whole-school project, Legacy of Excellence: A Black Bermudian Gallery. Students selected Black Bermudians who have made significant contributions to the island, researched their lives, interviewed them or their families, and created classroom displays—some transforming entire classrooms into immersive exhibitions.

Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact

“The Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact was presented to Andrew Stevenson. For more than 25 years, Andrew has conducted tireless research, advocacy and hands-on conservation work, deepening understanding of humpback whales and their vital role in Bermuda’s marine ecosystem. He is also the producer of two award-winning feature-length documentaries, Where the Whales Sing and The Secret Lives of Humpbacks.

Cedar Award for Cultural Heritage

“The Cedar Award for Cultural Heritage was awarded to the City of Hamilton for the Fort Hamilton Project, a landmark undertaking that has safeguarded and revitalised one of Bermuda’s most important historic fortifications.

“Through a comprehensive programme of conservation, restoration, research and public enhancement, the project has secured the long-term preservation of Fort Hamilton’s historic fabric. Significant sections of the fortifications were carefully repaired and stabilised, the historic cast-iron Guthrie Bridge was conserved, and extensive invasive vegetation was removed from the fort’s walls, ditch and defensive features. These efforts halted ongoing deterioration while revealing important elements of the fort that had long been obscured.

Cultural Heritage Certificate

“A Cultural Heritage Certificate was awarded to Henry Ming in recognition of his dedicated and longstanding service as the Bermuda National Trust’s representative on the St. George’s Preservation Authority. For more than 25 years, Henry has helped guide the preservation and protection of the Historic Town of St. George, bringing deep knowledge, sound judgement and an unwavering commitment to Bermuda’s built heritage.

DeForest Trimingham Awareness Awards

“The DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award was presented to Horst Augustinovic, an independent researcher, author and collector whose passion for Bermuda’s history has resulted in a remarkable body of published work. Through books including Bermuda in Wartime, What You May Not Know About Bermuda, and 200 Years of Bermuda Postage Stamps, as well as numerous articles and presentations, Horst has brought many lesser-known stories of Bermuda’s past to public attention.

“A second DeForest Trimingham Awareness Award was presented to Meredith Ebbin, whose Bermuda Biographies website has become an invaluable public resource. Featuring more than 66 biographies and a growing body of original research, the site illuminates the lives of individuals who have shaped Bermuda’s history, culture and identity through meticulous investigation and engaging storytelling.

Natural Heritage Certificates

“Natural Heritage Certificates were awarded to Appleby, OBMI and Skyport for the 100 Cedars Project at the airport. In 2024, Appleby partnered with Skyport and OBMI to plant 100 endemic Bermuda cedars, helping to restore and celebrate one of Bermuda’s most iconic native species. The project was spearheaded and funded by Appleby under the leadership of Brad Adderley.

“A Natural Heritage Certificate was also presented to Janice Hetzel for her tireless advocacy on behalf of Bermuda’s natural heritage and decades of service dedicated to protecting the island’s open spaces and biodiversity. As President of the Bermuda Audubon Society from 2021 to 2024, and previously as its long-serving Secretary, Janice provided steadfast leadership and vision for conservation and community engagement initiatives.

Outstanding Young Environmentalist Award

“Nekorrah Raynor received the Outstanding Young Environmentalist Award in recognition of his passionate advocacy for the preservation of Southlands National Park. Through tireless coordination, community engagement and unwavering commitment, he has united diverse voices in support of protecting this treasured landscape from development pressures and safeguarding it for future generations.

Service to the Trust

Palmetto Award

“In the Service to the Trust category, the Bermuda National Trust’s highest honour – the Palmetto Award – was presented to The Christian Humann Foundation in recognition of its outstanding financial support of the Trust for more than 30 years. The Foundation’s consistent generosity has helped fund not only the Trust’s general operations but also numerous capital projects over the years.

President’s Award

“The Friends of Verdmont Group received the President’s Award in recognition of many years of dedicated work enhancing the Verdmont gardens through the removal of invasive species. Several members of the group have volunteered on a monthly basis for more than 20 years, making a significant contribution to the preservation and enjoyment of this historic property. Led by David Lang, the team includes Jonathan Clipper, Ros Clipper, James Macdonald, Paul Watson, Don Dunstan and Angelo Pimental.

Service to the Trust Certificates were awarded to:

“Phil Simpson, for volunteer service supporting Buy Back Bermuda and High Point Nature Reserve;

“Kevin Britten, for volunteer service supporting Buy Back Bermuda and Vesey Nature Reserve;

“Michael Budge, for volunteer service at Spittal Pond;

“Christina Wilson and Katryn Smith, for their volunteer contributions to the Trust’s highly successful fundraising gala events.

Staff Long Service Awards

“Staff Long Service Certificates were presented to Head of Finance Vincent Chaves, Accounts Administrator Donella Perinchief and Building Maintenance Specialist Duane Symonds in recognition of 15 years of dedicated service to the Bermuda National Trust. Executive Director Karen Border was recognised for five years of service.”

In congratulating the award recipients, Bermuda National Trust President Mark Orchard said, “The Bermuda National Trust Awards recognise the extraordinary individuals, organisations, schools and volunteers whose dedication helps preserve the natural and cultural heritage that makes Bermuda unique. This year’s recipients have demonstrated outstanding commitment, leadership and passion in their respective fields. Their efforts not only protect our heritage today but inspire future generations to value and care for it. On behalf of the Trust, I extend my sincere congratulations and gratitude to all of our award winners and nominees.”

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Category: All, Environment, News, Photos