Award of Excellence: P.A.L.S.
While P.A.L.S. has claimed this year’s Best of Bermuda award for their phenomenal fundraising walk, our judges all agree Bermuda’s cancer care charity deserves greater recognition through our Award of Excellence for the impact it continues to have on our community year-round, especially during the worrying, emotional time following a cancer diagnosis. “Anyone who’s been in this unfortunate position, who needed P.A.L.S., has been overwhelmed not just with the services they provide but the compassion they show to family members and people who are ill. They are consistently outstanding.” P.A.L.S. never charges a patient or family for their services and will be there for them at any stage of their diagnosis. In addition to physical, social and emotional care, they can also provide transportation, equipment and even financial assistance for travel expenses associated with overseas treatment. “They’re consistently doing everything right,” say our judges. “They are not just providing the service, but the empathy for people in such a vulnerable state is significant. They do tremendous work that substantially helps the community.”
18 Point Finger Road, Paget; 236-7257; www.pals.bm
News Event of the Year: The General Election
Called on January 8th, held on February 18th, and returning David Burt’s victorious Progressive Labour Party (PLP) to power for a third consecutive term, the 2025 General Election dominated the news for the first two months of this year. With its record number of 110 candidates, including 27 independents, one for the Emperial Group, 10 for the Free Democratic Movement (FDM) and 36 each for the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) and PLP, there was much speculation about the impact this variety would have. After a hard-fought contest, the governing PLP won 25 seats and the OBA 11.
Political Blunder: Calling the General Election while students were abroad
“Voiceless” was how one Bermudian student who is studying abroad described feeling following the government’s decision to call a General Election for February 18, 2025, a date when all students attending overseas universities would be off the island. “We constantly hear calls to ‘come back’ and ‘give back to the island,’ but the truth is, it’s difficult to fulfil that promise when we aren’t even considered in the decision-making process,” added another. Both were speaking to the Royal Gazette in January.
Pitbull Politician: Lt. Col. David Burch
Described by our judges as a “straight shooter,” who “doesn’t mince his words,” David Burch, has left a hole in government that will take a very loud voice to fill. Retiring at the last General Election, the former Bermuda Regiment Commanding Officer had been in politics for over 25 years. He became a PLP senator in 1998 and won the seat of Warwick North Central in 2017, after which he became the indomitable Minister for Public Works. As one judge comments: “He seems to deliver, whether it’s what you want or not.”
Most Effective Politician: Premier David Burt
No matter where you sit on the political spectrum, our judges agree you can’t deny that our Premier, David Burt, is “staggeringly effective.” Not only is he an excellent public speaker who always gets his message across clearly and concisely, but he is also an effective leader who “doesn’t suffer dissent well.” As Premier and party leader he has expertly fended off the Opposition in parliament as well as leadership challenges from within his own party. He’s a man who knows what he’s doing and is in command of what he’s speaking about.
Shadow Minister in the Limelight: Douglas de Couto
Winning back the seat of Warwick North East for the OBA in the last election is one among many accomplishments for Shadow Minister of Finance, Douglas de Couto. Since being appointed to his shadow ministerial role, he continues to visibly hold the government to account regarding a wide range of issues that are important to Bermudians, including cybersecurity, fiscal responsibility and the cost of living. Whether on the airwaves, in the newspaper, on his constituents’ doorsteps or speaking in parliament, he is a shadow minister with a mission.
Tammy Richardson-Augustus abstained from this category
Bermuda Booster: It’s a Tie!
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Not only is the Butterfield Bermuda Championship a PGA Tour event, attracting players and visitors from all over the world but, our judges agree, it is very popular TV viewing and, when it’s on, “Bermuda looks fabulous on television.” Played at the award-winning Port Royal Golf Course, it is, they add, an “amazing event” that “draws people to the island to play golf.” In a dramatic final day, the 2024 championship saw Puerto Rican Rafael Campos win a three-shot victory, clinching $1.2 million in prize money.
butterfieldchampionship.com
Shiona Turini
When it comes to putting our island, its businesses and its people on the map, few have introduced Bermuda to the upper echelons of international celebrity like stylist and costume designer Shiona Turini. Acknowledged as one of “Hollywood’s top 25 power stylists” by The Hollywood Reporter, Turini was responsible for Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter Western aesthetic” at the NFL Christmas GameDay Live in Houston. Then, when the American superstar needed an iconic ring for a trip to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Turini included the Drop of the Ocean cocktail ring by our very own Davidrose Studio for the headlining outfit.
shionaturini.com; @shionat
Good Corporate Citizen: The Green Family
Regularly lauded by a grateful community for their generosity towards a huge variety of community organisations, charitable endeavours and educational institutions, Bermuda was reminded just how generous the Green family have been over many years with the sad passing of Peter Green in November 2024. “They’re consistently helping Bermuda out, sponsoring events—and sometimes quietly,” agree our judges, who also recognised them for their contribution to the arts and the fact that they employ so many Bermudians. Particularly notable is the Green Family Scholarship, which has funded over 175 students, and the family’s support for the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.
www.fairmont.com/hamilton-bermuda
Booster for the Environment: BZS Micro Forest Project
Lead by Nicholas Coelho, the BZS Micro Forest Project is responsible for masses of dense little forests all over the island, populated by native and endemic species such as cedar, olivewood, palmetto, yellowwood, turkey berry, white stopper, Forestiera and Bermuda sedge. Some even include fruit trees. Speaking to Zoë Mir, a student who planted a micro forest at her school, for this magazine, Coelho summed up their benefit to the environment: “Micro forests are positively impacting biodiversity by providing new habitats for native and endemic species.” They also help to lower temperatures, reduce pollution and sequester carbon.
bamz.org/support/bzs-micro-forest-project
Ecological Blunder: BELCO soot emissions
Sadly, this is not the first time BELCO has “won” this award. “It’s an ongoing issue,” our judges complain. “There’s been so much attention and so little done.” Judges take particular issue with the fact that the North Power Station was supposed to provide cleaner electricity generation but, instead, the exhaust emissions can still be seen from as far away as Clearwater Beach. They particularly feel for everyone who lives in that neighbourhood “constantly having to have their roofs cleaned.” belco.bm
Dishonourable Mention: Bermudiana Beach Resort
For being an “eyesore” on coastline prone to erosion, our judges awarded the Bermudiana Beach Resort on the south shore a Dishonourable Mention.
Community Activist: Bermuda Youth Connect
An organisation which is “bridging the gap between the youth of Bermuda and our leaders,” Bermuda Youth Connect really came to the fore during the 2025 general election. They conducted interviews with political candidates on their channel, hosted a Pre-Election Youth Forum, engaged in intelligent debate, and even inspired a donor to help Bermudian students studying overseas fly back to vote. Founded in 2019 by Halle Teart, Veronica Swan-DeGraff, Ajai Peets and Tierrai Tull, Bermuda Youth Connect drew praise from one of our judges for being “articulate, passionate and committed.” www.facebook.com/bermudayouthconnect; @bermudayouthconnect
Unsung Heroes: Margaret Lloyd and Linda Abend
Bermuda National Trust (BNT) volunteers for over thirty years, Margaret Lloyd and Linda Abend are the authorities on Bermuda’s architectural heritage. In addition to sitting on the Trust’s Heritage Committee and volunteering for other community organisations, Lloyd and Abend worked on the ten-volume Bermuda Architectural Heritage series. These books cover all nine parishes and the City of Hamilton, involving huge amounts of dedicated research. They do “so much volunteer work,” say our judges, who describe them as “quiet” but working hard “behind the scenes.” Even when they have done paid consultancy work, they have donated their earnings to the BNT.
Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, Paget; 236-6483; bnt.bm
Tenacious Lawyer: Jerome Lynch KC
A force to be reckoned with, Trott & Duncan criminal litigator Jerome Lynch is, say our judges, “absolutely fantastic for his clients” as well as being “pugnacious in public.” Recent notable acquittals include those for Zane DeSilva and his daughter, who were accused of corruption, and Raheem Wray, who was accused of murder. First called to the bar in England and Wales in 1983, Lynch has been a lawyer for over forty years and specialises in the “full criminal calendar of serious offences.”
17a Brunswick Street, Hamilton; 295-7444
Tammy Augustus abstained from voting in this category
Cultural Event of the Year: The Gombey Festival
Celebrating one of our island’s most iconic cultural symbols and traditions, the Bermuda Gombey Festival returned to the Botanical Gardens in 2024 in all its spectacular glory. Under the theme “Gombey Unity,” hundreds of spectators gathered to watch Gombey troupes from all across Bermuda perform. Being honoured at the event was Robert Wilson of Gombey Evolution Troupe, Dennis Parsons of Places Gombeys, and posthumously, Lawrence “Stickers” Hendrickson Jr. and Carolyn “Granny” Hendrickson of H&H Gombeys. The annual event, organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is free of charge. As our judges say, “All Bermudians love the Gombey’s!”
culture.bm/events/gombey-festival
Kim Dismont-Robinson abstained from voting in this category
Charity Event or Fundraiser: P.A.L.S. Walk
At 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, 1,373 people set out from the P.A.L.S. Headquarters on Point Finger Road for their 37th annual 3km, 5km or 10km walk, in what proved to be their best year ever for participants. In total, the event raised over $85,000 for this phenomenal charity, which provides cancer patients and their families with an exceptional level of care and support in their homes. “It was really well supported,” says one judge, who was on the P.A.L.S. walk. Another adds, “The work they are doing is off the charts. It’s incredible.”
18 Point Finger Road, Paget; 236-7257; pals.bm
Tammy Richardson-Augustus abstained from voting in this category
Visual Artist: Melanie Eddy
Contemporary jewellery designer Melanie Eddy’s creations are works of art, says one of our judges, who compliments “the beauty of [her] design and the skill that she has to actually create those materials.” And her sculptural pieces aren’t just appreciated in Bermuda. British Vogue featured her as one of five black British-based designers reshaping the world of fine jewellery, and she also had a number of pieces selected for display in Brilliant & Black: A Jewellery Renaissance, an exhibition held at Sotheby’s in New York. Some of her pieces can be seen in her exhibition Meditations on Form at the Bermuda National Gallery. melanieeddy.co.uk
Photographer: Nicola Muirhead
“Outstanding,” “really inventing,” and “compelling” are just some of the descriptions used by our judges to describe the work of documentary photographer and visual storyteller Nicola Muirhead. Her solo exhibition Descendants of Summer: A Preview at Masterworks in October was a highly acclaimed “eight-year photographic journey examining Bermuda’s rich and complex heritage and identity.” Muirhead’s work has also featured internationally in galleries and in news outlets and magazines, including the New York Times, BBC and National Geographic. Our judges agree, “She is a very skilled photographer.”
nicolamuirhead.com
Vocal Artist/Musical Group: Michelle Cann
“She won a Grammy!” exclaim our judges, who are in awe of what Bermudian pianist Michelle Cann has achieved this year. This, they add “is the pinnacle of excellence.” Along with American soprano Karen Slack, she won Best Classical Vocal Solo Album for Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price, marking the first time that a duo of black women had won in this category. Recent career highlights also include appearances with the San Francisco Symphony and London’s Philharmonia Orchestra.
michellecann.com
Thespian: Owain Johnston-Barnes
When not doing his day job as a journalist for the Royal Gazette, Owain Johnston-Barnes can be found not just acting but also writing and directing a wide variety of stage productions. He is particularly well known for his entertaining pantomime characters and is celebrated for writing many of his own jokes. “He’s very dry,” says one judge. Describing himself as a “playwright and occasional actor,” Johnston-Barnes says he likes to use humour to get his message across. Just this year, the five-time winner of the Golden Inkwell directed dark comedy The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh.
Athlete: The Olympic and Paralympic teams
Team Bermuda may have returned home from Paris 2024 without medals, but our small island nation was still incredibly proud of the eight Olympians—Jah-Nhai Perinchief, Dara Alizadeh, Adriana Penruddocke, Emma Harvey, Jack Harvey, Flora Duffy, Erica Hawley and Tyler Smith—and two Paralympians—Jessica Lewis and Yushae DeSilva-Andrade—who represented us. The Olympics is the second biggest sporting event in the world after the FIFA World Cup and our judges praise each and every single Bermudian athlete who qualified to be there. And they still think Flora Duffy is the “greatest athlete of all time.”
Sports Coach: Shaun Goater
In December 2024, “Man City legend” Shaun Goater was promoted from assistant head coach at Aston Villa W.F.C. to interim manager of the Women’s Super League team after former manager Robert de Pauw was sacked. Goater’s team sensationally won four of the five games played during his tenure, and despite losing out to Natalie Arroyo for the full-time top job, Goater still reached the “highest level for women’s sports,” according to our judges. “We’ve never had a Bermudian coach a super league women’s team so he’s a trailblazer in that respect.”
Spectator Sports Event: Motorcross Racing
After an absence of over twenty years, motorcross racing returned to Coney Island in December 2024 in spectacular fashion. Over 5,000 spectators turned out to watch over one-hundred local and overseas riders, aged from 5 up to 61, compete in the Dash-for-Cash event. Organised by Jyrie Mitchell of Pink Sands Scrambling, a 250 Expert class competitor, the event, say our judges, “generated a lot of excitement and created a lot of nostalgia.” Speaking after the event, Mitchell said: “The thing that stood out to me was Bermuda coming together.”
@scrambling441
Children’s Activity: FryDay’s Bounce Park
Not only was FryDay’s Bounce Park in Dockyard a hands-down winner with the people, but every judge around the table agreed: “If I was to ask my kids, it’s the bounce park!” Containing probably the biggest bouncy castle anyone has ever seen, kids don’t just bounce and jump. They can shoot basketball hoops, play dodge ball or volleyball or even joust. When they’ve bounced enough, there are arcade games and mini bowling. For parents who don’t feel like bouncing, there are tables and chairs, food and drinks for relaxing. Their party packages are awesome, too.
Sail Loft, Sail Loft Lane, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandy’s; 236-5867; @frydays_bermuda
Kids’ Camp: DaRock Elite Academy
Do you want your kids to have fun and be moving while they are in camp? Do they enjoy football? If the answer is yes, then Dante Leverock’s camps are the best of the best. Very popular with our online voters, the kids’ camps put on by DaRock Elite Academy are praised for being “off the beaten path” and getting kids active. Held at BFA Field during school breaks, the camps are open to ages 5–15 and, says one happy camper after the February 2025 camp, “Being at the camp made me a better winger.”
facebook.com/leverockd92/; @darockelite_academy
Place to Enjoy Nature: Cooper’s Island
For having the most beautiful beaches in Bermuda, the judges unanimously agreed that Cooper’s Island was the best place to enjoy nature. Clearwater Beach and Turtle Bay are picturesque enough but those prepared to walk or bike the length of the nature reserve will be rewarded with long lengths of sandy, idyllic paradise. If it’s not a day for the beach, there are hills with phenomenal views or a restored pond and salt marsh which are home to killifish, land crabs and seabirds.
Historic Site: Smith’s Island
Home to some of the first Bermudian settlers, Smith’s Island in St. George’s is an active archeological site run by Dr Michael Jarvis who, along with his team, “are doing extraordinary archeological work, and the things they’ve uncovered are incredible,” say our judges. They also love that people are invited to witness their work. Recent discoveries include a broken hoe, the fact that the Small Pox Bay peninsula was the site of Governor Richard Moore’s first town, and the identification of more than a hundred post holes.
smithsislandarchaeology.blogspot.com
Attraction for Visitors: The Bailey’s Bay Trifecta
The combination of a visit to Crystal and Fantasy Caves with their turquoise pools, spectacular stalactites and phenomenal rock formations followed by lunch or dinner at the Swizzle Inn and then a stop at Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlour for a tasty treat would be an ideal outing for any of our judges. They therefore couldn’t decide which one stands out as the best attraction for visitors, so the award goes to all three. “This is leveraging Bermuda’s natural resources and associated services,” says one. “They’re doing it right”.
Crystal and Fantasy Caves, 8 Crystal Cave Road, 293-0640; caves.bm
The Swizzle Inn, 3 Blue Hole Hill, 293-1854; www.swizzleinn.com
Bailey’s Bay Ice Cream Parlour, 2 Blue Hole Hill, 293-8605; facebook.com/BaileyBayicecream
All in Hamilton Parish.
Place to Play a Round of Golf: Port Royal Golf Course
Host of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, which has firmly established it on the map of best golf courses in the world, Port Royal is also, quite simply, breathtakingly beautiful. It’s also accessible, with discounted membership rates for seniors and juniors and affordable resident drop-in rates and lessons. Spectacular water views, pristine greens and the Bella Vista restaurant and bar for celebrating at the end of a successful round complete the experience. 5 Port Royal Golf Course Road, Southampton; 234-0974; bermudagolf.bm/port-royal
Falling in Love: Coconuts
Who can’t fall in love while enjoying a sunset on Bermuda’s beautiful south shore, nestled between the sea and those dramatic cliffs behind. With the sand and the views and the waves lapping at your feet, Coconuts at The Reefs is, say our judges, the best place in Bermuda for falling in love. They particularly enjoy the “beautiful backdrop” and the fact you can enjoy your meal beachside, with toes in the sand.
The Reefs, 56 South Shore Road, Southampton; 238-0222; www.thereefs.com/bermuda-dining/coconuts-the-reefs-bermuda
Place to Dump a Lover: LF Wade International Airport
When you know you need to make a quick getaway, do the deed and then run for security! You’d better hope the injured party’s cousin isn’t in charge of the pat downs, though.
2 Kindley Field Road, St. George’s, www.bermudaairport.com
Place for a Discreet Rendezvous: Cambridge Beaches
With its beautiful west end location, individual cottages and little private beaches tucked away from prying eyes, Cambridge Beaches is your spot when you want a private staycation. While room service is always an option, if you do want to venture out the judges recommend the Sunken Harbour Club for its “dark vibe.” 30 King’s Point Road, Sandys; 234-0331; cambridgebeaches.com
Place to Propose: Unfinished Church
If you know you’ve found the one and just need to pop the question, the Unfinished Church in St. George’s is the ultimate romantic location. Already well known as a venue for exceptional weddings, the Unfinished Church, our judges believe, is such an outstanding spot that no one could say “no.”
Government Hill Road, St. George’s
Wedding Reception Location: The Loren
For panoramic sea views, a romantic vibe and ultimate celebratory atmosphere for your special day, The Loren is the best place in Bermuda to get married. If the weather is playing ball, there is the option for an open-air banquet by the pool, and the Pink Beach Club’s circular uncovered area provides an equally enjoyable alternative. In total, there are seven different indoor and outdoor spaces to choose from, along with a designated wedding planner to account for everything that will make your day perfect.
116 South Road, Smith’s; 293-1666; thelorenhotels.com/bermuda
Best Hotel: Rosewood Bermuda
A favourite with both our judges and the voting public, Rosewood Bermuda is lauded as epitomising “old glamour,” with “tall ceilings and big soaking tubs.” They also love how open and green the property is with its stunning gardens, golf course and swimming pools, and the fact that the restaurants, particularly Island Brasserie, are always “rammed to the gills” speaks volumes about their quality. “It’s a really classy hotel,” they all agree. “There’s no other hotel like that in Bermuda.”
60 Tucker’s Point Drive, Hamilton Parish; 298-4000; rosewoodhotels.com/en/bermuda
Journalist: Sam Strangeways
Bermuda, our judges agree, is a hard place to be a good investigative journalist but, against all odds, the Royal Gazette’s Sam Strangeways is persistent, thorough, well researched and has a talent for “uncovering great stories.” Recent stories include the link between Zane DeSilva and the Savvy Entertainment loan, the government’s handling of the cyberattack and the sizeable salaries received by senior executives at the Bermuda Gaming Commission. She’s always “unearthing things!” they add.
Jeremy Deacon and Don Burgess abstained from voting in this category
Radio Station: Irie 98
“Bermuda’s Feel Good Station”, Irie 98, has gone from brilliant to even better since it was bought by Russell “Rusty G” Griffith, Michael Terceira and Teddy Terceira last year. They have stayed true to the station’s reggae roots, but have added dancehall, afrobeats and soca to the mix. The Morning Show with ET Flava and DJ Rusty G wakes you up, Monday Night Hype hosted by DJ iBreeze chills you out, and Mr Fotogenik makes you laugh.
irie98.com
Radio Personality: DJ Rusty G
Multiple award-winning DJ and now co-owner of award-winning Irie 98, Russell Griffith aka DJ Rusty G just keeps on serving up what Bermuda wants to listen to, especially first thing in the morning, at the helm of Irie 98’s Coffee Run Morning Show. What better way to start your day?
djrustyg.com
Club/Party DJ: DJ iBreeze
The DJ that brought us a “private party” via Instagram during the COVID lockdown, DJ iBreeze of King Jyrus Entertainment Group has been going from strength to strength. You can catch his Monday Night Hype and Friday Lunchtime Reggae Show on Irie 98, enjoy his Uplifting Dancehall Mix on YouTube, follow him on Instagram or TikTok to find out where he is playing live, or book him for your event for a party to remember.
@djibreeze; kingjyrus@gmail.com
Social Media Personality or Presence: Mr Fotogenik
He’s “coming in hot” and has done it again. The hands-down winner with our judges and readers for the best social media personality is the hilarious Shawn Simmons aka Mr Fotogenik. For making us laugh at ourselves, for making any event he’s hosting entertaining and for his spoof videos that find humour in any situation, we thank you for always cheering us up.
@mrfotogenik
Charity/Community Service Organisation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda
This phenomenal organisation, run by the dynamic and inexhaustible Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, provides mentoring relationships for young people in need with the aim of helping them reach their full potential. “Littles” between the ages of 5 to 18 can be matched with an adult mentor, or “Big,” for one-to-one mentoring or, alternatively, with a couple. They can also be matched with companies, where employees will, among other things, help them with their homework, play games or simply chat. “The average match lasts three years; many last a lifetime,” says the charity.
3rd Floor, Bermudiana Arcade, 27 Queen Street, Hamilton; 232-2802; bbbs.bm
Podcast: Hustle Her with Deshay Caines
Yet another win for the exceptional Hustle.Her podcast hosted by Deshay Caines, founder and president of the Pristine Group. Her shows are designed to “inspire and motivate women and to showcase how amazing we are.” Inspiring and motivating interviewees have recently included Mrs E. Laurie Shiell, executive director of Centre Against Abuse; advisor, speaker and author, Christie Hunter Arscott; and Polina Branco, CEO of Two Point O Collective.
www.hustleherpodcast.com
Judges
Dr. Kim Dismont-Robinson – Senior english lecturer, Bermuda College
Jeremy Deacon – Owner, The News Navigators
Tammy Richardson-Augustus – Former Parter, Appleby
Don Burgess – Digital literacy teacher, Francis Patton Parish School
