• Award of Excellence: Flora Duffy
  • As if this could go to anyone else! To win an Olympic gold medal is a ground-breaking achievement. But to win an Olympic gold medal in the triple-disciplined triathlon, when you’re from our small island and competing against athletes who have the backing of countries that are Goliath to our David is truly heroic.

Every single young Bermudian athlete who has a dream now knows that if you stay focused and work hard, anything is possible. And, when you do achieve your dreams, your island home will cheer you on every step of the way.

“It’s hard to compete with Flora,” agree our judges. “She’s won everything. She’s a beast. To win at that level—it’s unbelievable to think about it and the fact she’s come from small little Bermuda.” But as she said during her homecoming weekend, “I am from Bermuda, where at 6.30 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2021, the streets fell silent because an entire nation believed I could do it.”

  • News Event of the Year: Flora Duffy Wins Gold
  • From Front Street to Tokyo, and everywhere in between, Bermudians all around the world—and for a small nation we get around—stopped what they were doing and barely breathed for 55 minutes and 36 seconds as our heroine, Dame Flora Duffy, won our island’s first ever Olympic gold medal on July 27, 2021 (well, July 26 in Bermuda). Not COVID, not economic woes, not political gaffes. The biggest news event of the year was a happy and proud one and one that every Bermudian who watched Duffy’s stunning victory will remember forever.
  • Political Blunder: Marcus Jones
  • Whether in the house or on Twitter, former OBA senator Marcus Jones has attracted controversy and caused offense in recent years, but none more so that his statement in the senate, during a debate on Teen Dating Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, saying: “I do believe our young people are inviting this type of behaviour because they are ignorantly getting on social media and putting themselves in harm’s way.” Many across the political spectrum and beyond, including our panel of judges, were appalled at these comments and he resigned in February.
  • Pit Bull Politician: The Hon. Premier David Burt
  • A pit bull, determined our judges, is someone who is tenacious, has a lot of guts and doesn’t hold back. Love him or hate him, they all agree that our Premier, the Hon. E. David Burt, embodies all these traits. He has had to be on the defensive a lot in the last year, but they enjoyed some of his “heated” responses during press conferences and admire the fact he took on tourism and finance when he had to. “What’s on his shoulders got bigger, so his claws had to get bigger,” they agree.
  • Most Effective Politician (Tie): The Hon. Curtis Dickinson
  • As the island’s finance minister from November 2018 until his shock resignation in February this year, Curtis Dickinson was widely praised as one of the best Bermuda has ever had. A former investment and commercial banker in the US and UK as well as Bermuda, his experience and reputation carried substantial weight and helped him navigate numerous financial challenges, not least those brought on by the global pandemic as well as moves to impose a global minimum corporate tax rate. He always had the best interests of Bermuda’s coffers at heart.
  • Most Effective Politician (Tie): The Hon. Tinee Furbert
  • Tinee Furbert is, say the judges, “a solid advocate politician” and they praise her “tremendous strides with seniors and those with disabilities”. An occupational therapist by profession, she has worked in nursing facilities, private and public schools and a prison, as well as psychiatric and other hospitals. Elected as an MP in 2017, she was appointed Minister of Social Development and Seniors in 2020, and since then has made it her mission to get improved representation for the needs of the disadvantaged and vulnerable in Bermuda.
  • Shadow Minister in the Limelight: The Hon. Michael H. Dunkley
  • If politicians were paid according to the number of strong opinions they hold, avid social-media user Michael Dunkley would be able to comfortably retire immediately. Currently Shadow Minister of National Security, Health and Seniors, he doesn’t stop there. The former premier has spoken out about everything from PLP leadership concerns to COVID-related restrictions and vertical farming, as well as the recent gang-related tragedies blighting our island. “He’s been the most vocal,” agree the judges, who can’t help but add, “We love the milkman!”
  • Bermuda Booster: Flora Duffy Wins Gold at the Olympics
  • When the flag of a small Atlantic island, population 65,000, is raised higher than the flags of Great Britain, population 67 million, and the United States, population 330 million, something phenomenal has just happened. When our very own Dame Flora Duffy beat Great Britain’s Georgia Taylor-Brown and the USA’s Katie Zaferes, this monumental moment was not only cherished by a nation of Bermudians but noticed throughout the world. Headlines such as “Bermuda becomes smallest country to win Olympic gold” appeared in newspapers around the globe. If you hadn’t heard us of us before, you certainly had now.
  • Good Corporate Citizen: Sean McNulty
  • Canadian digital nomad Sean McNulty moved to Bermuda with his wife in late 2020 and loved Bermuda so much, he decided to give back. The chief executive of Canada-based asset management firm XIB Asset Management launched the Frontline Foundation charity with a phenomenal $500,000 of his own money to show appreciation for frontline workers, support local businesses and encourage people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Specific donations included $50 gift cards for Bermuda Hospital Board staff and $50 gift cards for people who got vaccinated, which were then matched with another gift card for an essential worker.
  • Booster for the Environment: Regulating Single-Use Plastics
  • It’s everywhere! The scourge of our beaches, roads and parks. Plastic pollution is devastating our onshore and offshore environment and the chemicals used in the manufacture of many plastics is also bad for our health. In the 2018 Speech from the Throne, the government committed to eliminating single-use plastics by 2022 and Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban has worked tirelessly to achieve this. At the time of writing, policy development and community education initiatives are still ongoing, but a large majority of those who responded were supportive of the initiative and any reduction in single-use plastics, say our judges, would be a great booster.
  • Ecological Blunder (Tie): Tynes Bay
  • When the Tynes Bay incinerator broke down at the end of last year, we were all dismayed to witness the pile up of trash around our island, especially when they had to resort to dumping trash at Marsh Folly which, agree the judges, “is backwards,” adding that “the whole trash management” around that time was an ecological blunder.
  • Ecological Blunder (Tie): BELCO
  • “They said it was going to get better but it has got worse,” say our judges of the pollution local residents in the vicinity of the BELCO power plant have to deal with, including particles on their roofs as well as noise pollution. BELCO insists it is working with the community as well as committed to becoming a renewable energy company, but unfortunately, the latter will take some time.
  • Community Activist: Bermuda is Love
  • The mission is simple, says Aaron Crichlow, one of the founding members of community group, Bermuda is Love, “we do it because we think it has the potential to impact another person’s life and make it that much better.” Founded by a group of friends in August 2020, Bermuda is Love looks to “purposely impact and give back to the island through clean ups, clothing drives and blood donation drives.” “What they’re doing is amazing,” says a judge. “They do so much! How they all have that much energy!” @bdaislove on Instagram

Aaron Crichlow abstained from voting in this category.

  • Unsung Hero: Zakaria Ibraheem
  • Out of heartbreak was born a hero. On the night that two men were tragically shot dead in the Robin Hood pub in Hamilton and two others were injured, one man didn’t run and hide. Instead, Zakaria Ibraheem, who works for the Robin Hood, immediately started ushering patrons, including children, into the safety of the kitchen before returning to help more. He even carried one of the wounded outside. The judges were bowled over by the bravery and kindness of this unsung hero.
  • Tenacious Lawyer: Elizabeth Christopher
  • Described by a fellow lawyer as a “titan defence attorney,” Elizabeth Christopher is a force to be reckoned with. A passionate human rights advocate, she is particularly well known for being a vocal proponent for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in Bermuda. She is also not one to shy away from difficult cases. “I’ve seen her in court a few times and she’s a powerful lady,” remarks one of the judges, adding, “She does so much outside the court. She’s stayed true to the cause.”
  • Cultural Event of the Year: Flora Duffy’s Homecoming
  • In spite of COVID’s best efforts, Flora Duffy’s return to Bermuda after her epic Olympic win was nothing short of an islandwide party. The whole of Bermuda came together to celebrate our heroine. From the motorcade parade and the renaming of the National Stadium and Corkscrew Hill to a commemorative stamp and open-air concert featuring Joy T. Barnum’s song written specially for the occasion, “Gold (Bermudian),” the celebration was almost as phenomenal as the win itself. And as an added bonus, we were given the day off work!
  • Charity Event/Fundraiser: Tomorrow’s Voices Sip & Paint
  • On Sunday, October 3, 2021, over 200 families logged in for Tomorrow’s Voices’ 3rd Annual “Great Sip & Paint for Autism” virtual event, raising many thousands of much-needed dollars for this award-winning organisation which supports people with autism and developmental differences. Participants could order couples, family or individual sip and paint packages via the Sargasso Sea app as well as a “child’s juice and paint package.” In addition to producing artistic masterpieces, participants enjoyed music, prizes and online camaraderie. The judges praise them for “figuring out a new way to raise money during COVID.” www.tomorrowsvoices.bm; 297-4342

Erica Smith abstained from voting in this category.

  • Visual Artist: Gherdai Hassell
  • The international reach and recognition for Bermudian artist Gherdai Hassell is soaring at a meteoric rate. “Gherdai’s show at the national gallery was phenomenal,” say the judges of her 2021 exhibition, I Am Because You Are. “She’s incredible.” It doesn’t stop there, however. Since then, she has won the 2021 Women’s United Art Prize, the Manchester Open Award, been published in Black Collagists: The Book, had her work produced on billboards throughout the UK and currently has work featured in the FIRST.FEMALE.FORWARD. edition of the AFROFUTOURISM exhibition series in Lagos, Nigeria. And that is not all… just all I have space for! www.gherdaihassell.com; @hassell_free on Instagram
  • Photographers: Blaire & Akil Simmons                                                               
  • A picture is worth a thousand words, so the saying goes, which means long-standing Royal Gazette photographers Blaire and Akil Simmons have told a lot of stories. Described by our judges as “spectacular,” these photographers are everywhere, documenting every major event in Bermuda’s recent history, alongside the abundance of sports, community, political and lifestyle stories. “They work all the time,” rave our judges. “They’re doing amazing things and there’re only two of them,” adds another. Together, these artists tell Bermuda’s tales in a powerful and evocative way.

Meredith Andrews abstained from voting in this category.

  • Vocal Artist: Da’khari Love
  • The award-winning Da’khari Love has had a busy year, performing his own songs at the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts, celebrating the first anniversary of his debut album, Renaissance, and having his track “Young” picked by the UK’s BBC as “track of the week.” And, in February, he released his own cover version of Adele’s “Easy on Me.” “Da’khari Love is very talented but he also presents himself in an untraditional way that’s very creative and innovative,” says one of the judges. “I’ve always loved that about him.” www.dakharilove.com; @dakharilove on Instagram
  • Thespian: Daren Herbert
  • Popular with both the public and our judges, this is yet another Best of Bermuda win for the actor who has brought so much of his island’s culture to Netflix via his role as Kwami in seven episodes of hit Canadian show Kim’s Convenience. “He’s on that with a Bermudian accent,” point out the judges proudly. “That’s a pretty big deal to be on a show that big, playing a Bermudian.” He is currently starring in Canadian TV comedy-drama Pretty Hard Cases as DS Nathan Greene. @b.darenherbert on Instagram
  • Athlete: Flora Duffy
  • The lady that needs no introduction. Triathlete Dame Flora Duffy has shown the world what small islands are capable of and has become an icon for aspiring Bermudian sportspeople. Not only was she our island’s first ever Olympic gold medalist, but she also won an Olympic and World title in the same year. Oh, and she won again in Abu Dhabi in November. @floraduffy on Instagram
  • Sports Coach/Instructor: Naquita Robinson
  • There was no debate on this one. Both the public and our judges agree that the Bermudian women’s national team coach, Naquita Robinson, has done fantastic things for women’s football in Bermuda. Under her leadership, Bermuda topped their group in the Concacaf Women’s Under-20 Championship Qualifying campaign and, at the time of writing, the team had just smashed Grenada 6-0 in the first Concacaf senior women’s match hosted on island. “We are writing our own book right now and this is just the first chapter,” said the coach of her team, speaking to the Royal Gazette in April.
  • Spectator Sport Event: Butterfield Bermuda Championship
  • It went ahead! An achievement in itself for 2021. For four days at the end of October last year, golf spectators around the world, as well as local supporters and a number of international visitors who travelled to the island in spite of everything, watched some of the world’s top professional golfers swing their way around the jewel of Bermuda’s golfing scene—Port Royal golf course. Won by 25-year-old Australian Lucas Herbert, the PGA Tour event didn’t just benefit Bermuda’s reputation as a world-class golfing destination, it also raised $646,000 for 50 local non-profit organisations.
  • Children’s Activity: Skate Boarding at Isolated
  • Home to an indoor half-pipe, Isolated, which is located at the eastern end of Reid Street, is a great place for kids to learn to skate board. If they are experts already, they can pay $10 to walk-in and skate for as long as they want to. Individual lessons are $65 per person for 30 minutes and $130 for an hour, with the price per person going down if you are in a group. They are also planning to expand by renovating the downstairs area of their building into a full skate area, and they have all the kit you need for sale. 104 Reid Street; 543-7873; www.isolated.com
  • Children’s Playground: Boundless Playground, WindReach
  • An amazing playground for an excellent cause. Boundless Playground at WindReach is, say our judges, “so well made,” adding, “You do have to pay, but you’ve got to support them.” Bermuda’s only fully accessible playground, it is large, colourful, creative, and has something for everyone of all abilities. Boundless Playground is open to the public most Fridays between 3 and 5 p.m. and costs $10 per child. All proceeds support WindReach and the phenomenal work it does. The playground is also available for group rentals and parties. Reservations can be made by e-mailing rentals@windreach.bm. 10 WindReach Lane, Warwick; 238-2469
  • Kids Camp: Star Diving
  • She’s done it yet again! The amazing Star Diving summer camp beats out the competition to win best kids camp in Bermuda. Since 2014, barrier-breaking Bermudian Olympic diver Katura Horton-Perinchief’s diving camp for children aged 5–13 has been a hit with kids islandwide. Didn’t think a five-year-old could do a back-flip off a spring board? Think again. No child is ever made to do anything they don’t want to do but after just one week of careful, but fun instruction, many will even brave the highest diving boards! stardivingbda@gmail.com

Katura Horton-Perinchief abstained from voting in this category.

  • Place to Enjoy Nature: Railway Trail Bridges
  • For decades visitors and residents alike have enjoyed walking, running and cycling the Railway Trail while enjoying the flora, fauna, ambience, informative signs and even the occasional piece of artwork. The new bridges, however, are changing and will continue to change the way we all use and enjoy this unusual national park. Since opening in 2014, the footbridge over Bailey’s Bay has been jammed with adults, children and dogs enjoying the fabulous views, and the judges are particularly excited about the one currently being constructed at Flatts. www.bermudarailway.net
  • Historic Site: African Diaspora Heritage Trail
  • Created in 2001 as part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail stretches from Dockyard to St. George’s and explores the history of enslavement and enslaved people. It includes historic buildings, statues and monuments including Jeffrey’s Cave at Spittal Pond, the “Lost at Sea” memorial, the Bermuda Heritage Museum, the “When Voices Rise” statue, Verdmont Museum, Barr’s Bay Park, Mary Prince’s Home, the Sally Bassett statue and Cobbs Hill Methodist Church, among many other places. “It’s helped to raise the profile of the importance of that trail and the history that’s embedded there,” say the judges.
  • Museum: Bermuda National Gallery
  • A long-popular cultural icon in the heart of Hamilton, the judges agree that in recent years the exhibitions and creations produced by the Bermuda National Gallery are award-worthy. Gherdai Hassell’s exhibition, I am Because You Are, was, they say “a particular triumph,” as was The Shadow Land, a collection of stone cut prints from the 1960s produced by Inuit artists from the Arctic territories of Canada. They also enjoyed The African Collection, on display at the time of writing. “They’re creating more breadth in what they’re showing,” they all agree. 2nd Floor, City Hall & Arts Centre, Hamilton; 295-9428; www.bng.bm
  • Place to Play a Round of Golf: Port Royal
  • How many golf courses around the world are good enough for the PGA Tour but don’t require an expensive and almost impossible to get into membership? Not many, I’m sure. The world-class Port Royal golf course therefore is a rare exception. Boasting ocean views from virtually every hole, this public course, which is home to the award-winning Butterfield Bermuda Championship, is open to anyone who can afford the green fees. The judges particularly love the signature 16th hole. 5 Port Royal Golf Course Road, Southampton; 234-3562; www.portroyalgolfcourse.com
  • Place for Falling in Love: The SPCA
  • Fall in love with a furry friend and receive unconditional love in return at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Open up your home to a loveable rescue animal through their adoption process and you may find your forever buddy, be it a dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or even, on occasion, a cockatoo. 32 Valley Road, Paget; 236-7333; www.spca.bm
  • Place for a Discreet Rendezvous: Astwood Cove
  • The stunning and secluded Astwood Cove is, agree the judges, the best place to go to escape from prying eyes. For a start, it requires a bit of effort to get down there and is surrounded by steep cliffs. If others do make the journey down, there are lots of rocks to hide behind.
  • Place to Propose: A Private Charter
  • There are few outings more spectacular than a boat trip around our stunning island on a beautiful evening, especially if someone else has arranged all the food, drink and entertainment. Proposing while on a private charter is, say our judges, “a really romantic gesture,” but it isn’t without risk. You need to be pretty sure the love of your life feels the same way… it could take a while to get back to shore!
  • Wedding Reception Location: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
  • Located out on the peninsula with panoramic south shore views, the Wedding Plateau at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club has become THE place to get married in Bermuda. “That’s a beautiful spot for the ceremony,” agree the judges, who love that the happy couple and their guests can then take a scenic journey down to the beach for the reception afterwards. Fancy another spot on the property instead? You can have the ceremony or reception anywhere you like, with the Lookout Point and the beach itself being the other firm favourites. If the weather isn’t co-operating, there are three beautiful ballrooms for back-up in the Hamilton Princess Hotel. Sinky Bay, Southampton; 295-3000; www.thehamiltonprincess.com
  • Beautiful Garden: Palm Grove Gardens
  • An 18-acre oasis on the south shore, Palm Grove Gardens is a not-so-little slice of green heaven going all the way down to the ocean. Privately owned and immaculately manicured, the gardens are open to the public from Monday–Thursday and are home to an impressive aviary, a living map of Bermuda set inside a lily pond, a mass of native and endemic palms, trees and shrubs, and enormous Adirondack chairs. There is space for children to run around and explore, as well as for the more mature to enjoy quiet walks or picnics. 38 South Road, Devonshire
  • Attraction for Visitors: Crystal and Fantasy Caves
  • An absolute must for anyone coming to stay in Bermuda is the underground world of stunning blue waters and spectacular stalactites found deep underground in Crystal and Fantasy Caves. A fun day out for the whole family, “it’s a great attraction and the tour guides are the best,” say our judges, who can also highly recommend a fish sandwich at Café Olé afterwards. 8 Crystal Caves Road, Hamilton Parish; 293-0640; www.caves.bm
  • Best Hotel: Newstead Belmont Hills Golf Resort and Spa
  • Already popular for its Harbour Road location, stunning Hamilton Harbour views, fabulous rooms, ferry service into Hamilton and excellent service, Newstead went even further up in our judges’ estimation when they opened their new “ocean to table” restaurant, Aurora, at the end of 2020 which continues to enjoy rave reviews. “Loved the location with views of Hamilton, the boating and harbour activity, and beautiful sunsets,” declares one of many happy customers. 27 Harbour Road, Paget; 232-8686
  • Journalist: Media Maya
  • A trailblazer for the millennial age, Media Maya burst onto the journalism scene in the summer of 2020 bringing us a new and thoroughly researched take on the important issues of the day. Her interactive interviews with high-profile political and community leaders are watched by thousands of her followers. In addition to informing her audience about current affairs, she has also used her powerful social media platform to highlight issues such as domestic abuse, climate change, mental health and disabilities, race and sexual orientation. @mediamaya_ on Instagram
  • Radio Station: Vibe 103 FM
  • It’s done it again! Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, Vibe 103 FM was launched by Collie Buddz in March 2012 and has won this Best of Bermuda award year after year. Maybe it’s awesome DJs Chubb, Markie T, Fury, Mista Genius, Mystro, Juicy J & Fresh Kidd; maybe it’s their informative interviews and news coverage; or maybe it’s just their great music! vibe103.com
  • Radio Personality: DJ Chubb
  • Cheering us up every morning on Vibe 103’s Morning Rush is the legendary and perennial Best of Bermuda winner DJ Chubb. Musicians, sports personalities, community events—he’s done the interviews, he knows what there is to know, and he makes us smile while we listen to him. You can also enjoy his House Work Saturdays on Twitch TV. @djchubb103 on Instagram
  • Club/Party DJ: DJ Rusty G
  • “Everybody loves Rusty G,” say the judges of this legendary DJ and regular Best of Bermuda award winner, without whom no party is complete. Small private occasion or massive event that everyone’s invited to, it’s guaranteed to be an energetic celebration like no other. Fancy an at home party any time of day or night? Check out his Soca Madness 2021 on Sound Cloud. DJRustyG.com; @djrustyg
Photo by: Meredith Andrews
  • Charity/Community Service Organisation: Social Justice Bermuda
  • “For every single major issue there is a statement; they have continued to do the hard work,” say our judges of the organisation that formed in the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement. “Social Justice is something that has to keep happening,” they add. Describing themselves as “an advocacy group with no political affiliation,” Social Justice Bermuda holds all politicians and political parties to account through their statements and fact-based opinions on everything that matters, including, but by no means limited to, marriage equality, gun violence, race, religion and education. Socialjusticebda.com
  • Social Media Personality/Presence: Mr Fotogenik
  • Whether commentating on how everyday Bermudians attempt everyday life, making light of politicians trying to address serious issues or adding his own “flare” to viral videos, Shawn Simmons, aka Mr Fotogenik, will have you rolling around the floor with laughter. Whether by rhythm, rhyme or musical score, this humorous genius has captured our island’s need for a good laugh like no other. @mrfotogenik on Instagram
  • Podcast: Big Girl Panties
  • “Put on your big girl panties and thrive,” says Alexis Bean, the inspirational women behind the popular podcast series which is “designed to cultivate together, educate and inspire millennial women who have been affected by traumatic or grief striking circumstances in life.” Bean experienced considerable grief and trauma herself at an early age, losing her mother when she was 17 and then being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at 23. She knows what she’s talking about, and her podcasts feature conversations with different experts or encouraging messages about how to successfully navigate what life throws at you. www.bgplife.com; @bgplife on Instagram
  • Judges
  • Meredith Andrews – Photographer
  • Katura Horton-Perinchief – Manager, Bermuda National Tumour Registry
  • Aaron Crichlow – Attorney, Cox Hallett Wilkinson Limited 
  • Erica Smith – Executive Director, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation