Annual Awards

Awarded for positive impacts to Bermuda’s natural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education.

Nominations are invited in this category for protecting, restoring or advocating for the natural environment; for inspiring appreciation and awareness of Bermuda’s natural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s natural heritage. 

Natural Heritage Impact Award (Bermudiana Award)

Bermuda National Trust’s top award for outstanding contributions to Bermuda’s natural heritage. This award was established in honour of Mrs Patsy Phillips, MBE, who served as Bermuda National Trust President from 1990 to 1993 and was a staunch advocate for Bermuda’s heritage.

Outstanding Young Environmentalist Award

Presented to a young person in recognition of their outstanding contribution to Bermuda’s natural heritage for a considerable length of time and who has been consistent in this regard. This person must be less than 26 years old by 31 December of the year preceding the nomination. The award was established in honour of world-renowned conservationist Dr David Wingate, who was a founding member of the Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda’s first Government Conservation Officer and established the Cahow conservation programme.

Heritage Awareness Award (DeForest Trimingham Award)

The Bermuda National Trust’s top award for projects, programmes or initiatives that serve to inspire appreciation and stewardship of Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The award was established in honour of DeForest ‘Shorty’ Trimingham in recognition of his love for and commitment to Bermuda’s heritage.

Awarded for positive impacts to Bermuda’s cultural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education.

Nominations are invited in this category for renovations of, or sensitive additions to, historic buildings; conservation of heritage sites or artefacts; projects or programmes promoting appreciation or awareness of cultural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s heritage. 

Cultural Heritage Impact Award

Bermuda National Trust’s top award for outstanding contributions to Bermuda’s cultural heritage.

Built Heritage Award (Rosemary Clipper Award)  

Awarded in recognition of projects that conserve Bermuda’s architectural vernacular. It may recognise historic restoration, conservation, education, promotional or political projects. The award was established in 1998 in honour of Rosemary Clipper as a tribute to her years of work on the Trust’s Historic Buildings Survey, and her love of Bermuda’s unique architecture.

Heritage Awareness Award (DeForest Trimingham Award)

The Bermuda National Trust’s top award for projects, programmes or initiatives that serve to inspire appreciation and stewardship of Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The award was established in honour of DeForest ‘Shorty’ Trimingham in recognition of his love for and commitment to Bermuda’s heritage.

Palmetto Award

Bermuda National Trust’s highest annual honour is awarded for outstanding service to the community in areas of concern to the Trust or service to the Trust itself. This would include preservation of Bermuda’s natural and/or cultural heritage – or significant donation of time, effort and/or funds to this end.

President’s Award

Given by the President of Bermuda National Trust for exceptional service to the Trust and may not be given every year. It may be given for a single act or for an accumulation of services over many years.

Honorary Life Membership

Given by the Trust Council to persons who have given to the Trust such property, sum of money or services as shall appear to the Council that they deserve to be distinguished as honorary life members.

The Michael Darling Shield for Heritage Education – Saltus Grammar School
At a time when climate change, biodiversity loss, and urban development threaten Bermuda’s delicate ecosystems, it is vital that we instill in our youngest citizens a profound respect for the natural world. Saltus Grammar School has responded to this call through the creation of The Saltus Grove, a nature-based classroom located on an acre of open space at the Maycot property within walking distance of Saltus Cavendish. Drawing inspiration from the Reggio Emilia approach which considers nature the ‘third teacher’, Saltus Grove exemplifies current best practices in outdoor learning. The Grove is a living, learning landscape where early learners develop an intimate connection to Bermuda’s natural heritage through outdoor play and inquiry.

The Bermudiana Award for Natural Heritage Impact – Stuart Smith
For many decades Stuart Smith has shown unwavering commitment to the preservation of our beloved Bluebirds, and Bermuda’s native and endemic flora. He has been the driving force of the Bermuda Bluebird Society for 26 years and is still going strong in this work, advising on and installing bluebird boxes around the island and organizing care of bluebird box trails on golf courses and in parks. Many people will remember SOS – Save Open Spaces – which Stuart used to run from BNT property at Devonshire Marsh, where he grew thousands of native and endemic plants. In recent years Stuart has trained his sights on tackling invasive species threatening the integrity of our historic forts within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if that was not enough, he carries out regular Sunday litter clean-ups in Paget. Stuart’s sustained efforts have not only enhanced the beauty and health of our environment but also safeguarded the legacy we pass on to future generations.

The Cedar Award for Cultural Heritage Impact – Dr Kim Dismont Robinson
Kim Dismont-Robinson’s 20-year career at the Department of Culture, where she served as Folklife Officer and later as Director, was transformative. Through her visionary leadership, Kim revolutionised Bermuda’s cultural landscape by championing underrepresented voices, fostering the literary arts, and preserving traditional knowledge through groundbreaking documentaries and publications. Her dedication has led to the creation of vital cultural resources, including 15 documentaries and multiple anthologies that celebrate Bermudian identity and inspire new generations. She cultivated a thriving creative community by forging meaningful connections with regional literary figures and elevating Bermuda’s presence on the global cultural stage. Her legacy is one of empowerment, preservation, and a deep, enduring love for Bermuda’s unique cultural heritage.

The DeForest Trimingham Award for Heritage Awareness – Lisa Greene and Dr David Wingate
This is the Trust’s top award for projects, programmes or initiatives that serve to inspire appreciation and stewardship of Bermuda’s unique natural or cultural heritage went to Lisa Greene and Dr David Wingate for their Practical Guide to Garden Management in Bermuda. This booklet, published in 2024, is a significant contribution to environmental education and awareness. Lisa Greene worked with David Wingate in many sessions over a couple of years to capture and distill his decades of knowledge and experience of native and endemic restoration practices into a concise and accessible publication. With the support of the Bermuda Zoological Society, it was made available free of charge, ensuring that its benefits are available to everyone. This unique work stands as a testament to dedication, vision, and the power of sharing expertise for the greater good.

Natural Heritage Certificates
Ian and Jennifer Hind in recognition of their dedication to preserving and protecting Bermuda’s native species. The Hinds have taken the initiative to show how native plants can play a vital role in beautifying our surroundings by planting many of them at Bailey’s Bay corner. The vibrant display of Coastal Sophora, Jamaica Vervain and Buttonwood flourishing along the roadside is nothing short of breathtaking — a living testament to what passion and persistence can achieve. Their work stands as an inspiration to the entire community to contribute a greener, more beautiful Bermuda.

Rosalind Wingate in recognition of the outstanding personal effort and visionary leadership she has shown in woodland restoration at Warwick Academy. Ros developed a comprehensive conservation management plan for an area of neglected woodland at Warwick Academy with the goal of involving students and their families in a long-term restoration project to significantly improve the biodiversity and ecological qualities of the space. She planned and led several volunteer workdays to start to realise the vision of an accessible site for outdoor learning and nature-based play so that the students can reconnect with nature and develop healthy respect, understanding and love for our environment.

The Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club for wholeheartedly embracing sustainability. Hamilton Princess is Bermuda’s first and only hotel to achieve the prestigious Green Key certification which represents high standards of excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Through the implementation of sustainable practices — including the removal of 50 types of single-use plastics, installation of water refill stations, energy efficiency audits, solar power generation and water recycling — the hotel has set a powerful example of environmental responsibility in action. Their success demonstrates that sustainability and hospitality can go hand in hand.

The Crystal Caves of Bermuda for responsible stewardship of the Crystal and Fantasy Caves.  The tremendous popularity of these caves presents the ongoing challenge of maintaining their integrity and ecological balance whilst still enhancing the visitor experience. A proud member of the International Show Caves Association, the Crystal Caves of Bermuda adheres to best practices in show cave management.  Visitor numbers are limited and access is restricted to designated pathways and stairs. No food or drink other than water is allowed inside the caves and no chemicals are used in cleaning the stairs and railings. Touching the formations is strictly prohibited. Swimming or any recreational activity other than a guided tour is not permitted. Through education, the staff have developed a deep respect for the importance of preserving the caves and they impart this respect to visitors during their tours.

Heritage Awareness Certificate
Dr David Chapman for inspiring appreciation of Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage through his series of children’s books, including the Daddy and I Explore series and his most recent work Gombey — The Way of the Warrior! Dr Chapman’s books have inspired young

Built Heritage Certificates

Dr Louise White and architect Geoff Parker for their sympathetic restoration of “Tramor”, a small Victorian style house constructed in 1904 off Sound View Road in Sandys. The restoration kept within the existing footprint of the house as much as possible while adding contemporary functionality. The primary addition was a new L- shaped timber verandah and gazebo. Adding a gazebo on the corner allowed the verandah to remain proportionate to the house while giving adequate space for entertaining as well as maximising the narrow view to the Great Sound. This project is an example of what can be done to upgrade existing historic housing stock on a relatively small budget with good design decisions.

The National Museum of Bermuda (NMB) for phase one of the conservation and restoration of Casemates. Built in the 1830s as a barracks, the Casemates complex is a remarkable example of 19th-century architecture and military technology. Over the years, it housed British military officers, the Canadian Navy and incarcerated men when it served as a prison from 1961 to 1994. Abandoned since 1994, the site deteriorated until 2006 when the NMB started pre-restoration work, including clearing invasive plants, documenting the buildings using 3D laser scanning, archaeologically recording tunnels and historic features, and photographing prison-era artwork found on the walls. NMB raised funds through its Future of History Campaign with a

vision to position Bermuda as a center for Atlantic World studies with Casemates as the base for research and learning. That vision began to be realized in 2024 and Phase 1 is now complete. The roofs of Casemates Barracks and the Upper Ordnance Yards have been reinstated and waterproofed, allowing the limestone walls to dry out and stabilizing the structures for future educational use.

Cultural Heritage Certificates

Shanna Hollis for her powerful 2024 mural Unsettled Freedom, which brings to life the rich and complex history of St George’s through bold, contemporary artistry in the heart of King’s Square. Through vivid storytelling and thoughtful collaboration, her work transforms a public space into a dynamic tribute to Bermuda’s cultural heritage and World Heritage significance.

Elaine Fox for her remarkable book The Community of Southside, St David’s: Before, During and After WWII. This is a deeply personal and meticulously researched work over 40 years in the making. Elaine Fox’s storytelling immortalizes the lives, land, and enduring spirit of a displaced community, offering future generations a powerful connection to their roots.

Francine Trott for 35 years of dedicated service with the Department of Parks, especially in her role as Curator of Forts, where she championed public access and historical education at Bermuda’s iconic fortifications. Her commitment has preserved and shared the rich legacy of sites like Fort St Catherine, ensuring their stories endure for generations to come.

The Anniversary Committee for their exceptional collaborative effort in celebrating the 175^th Anniversary of Portuguese settlement in Bermuda. Comprising the Portuguese Cultural Association, Casa dos Açores da Bermuda, the Honorary Consul of Portugal, and other community partners, the Committee organized a yearlong series of cultural events—including performances, festivals, and a historic visit from the President of the Azores—that honoured both tradition and community spirit. Their work also included the promotion of two important publications that preserve and share the Portuguese-Bermudian story for future generations.

SERVICE TO THE BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST

The Palmetto Award – Alana Anderson
The Palmetto Award, the Trust’s highest honour, went to Alana Anderson.  Alana started volunteering for the Trust over 20 years ago in 2004 when she was fresh back from college aged 24. Her first roles were on the Fundraising Committee and then the Finance Committee, before joining the Council in 2008 as its youngest member. She stepped up to become President in 2017 and served in that role until 2024.  Alana did an exceptional job as President in those seven years and it was not always easy. Putting in thousands of hours of volunteer time, she helped to keep the Trust on track during some difficult periods without an executive director at the helm, and through the Covid years. BNT is enormously grateful to Alana for her service.

The President’s Award – Jennifer Gray
Jennifer Gray received this award for her dedicated leadership of Buy Back Bermuda, especially the significant recent achievement of the opening of High Point Nature Reserve. Buy Back Bermuda (BBB) is a joint initiative of BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society to purchase and conserve our precious open space for the enjoyment of everyone, forever.  Jennifer Gray has been a key member of the BBB team since the initiative began in 2004 and she has chaired the BBB Committee since 2018. In the last seven years, BBB opened Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in 2022 and on Earth Day this year opened High Point Nature Reserve. Jennifer’s vision and drive was critical to getting both reserves open to the public and we owe her large debt of gratitude.

Honorary Life Membership
Honorary Life Membership is a title only granted for exceptional service or a very significant contribution to the Bermuda National Trust.

Eldon Trimingham for dedicated voluntary service at Auction and Jumble Sale. Eldon has managed and manned the hard back book stall at the annual event for decades.

Alfred Spearing for dedicated voluntary service at the Auction and Jumble Sale. Al has played a key role as leader of the Jumble Sale team for many years. Over the course of a week Al’s team receive, sort, clean, price, display and sell thousands of items, raising thousands of dollars for the Trust each year.

Kirk and Judy Kitson have been members of BNT since just after the organization was incorporated in 1971 and for more than 50 years, they have contributed to our annual appeal. Their financial support has not only been consistent it has been very generous indeed. In the past few years BNT has also benefited from substantial donations from the Kitson family trust. Their loyal support has helped BNT carry out its mission for Bermuda heritage for decades.

Volunteer Service Certificates
Syrine Rajeh co-chaired the past two extremely successful fundraising dinners. Not only did Syrine give her time on the organizing committee, she played an important role in securing corporate table sponsors, as well as purchasing items for raffle baskets and the party-favour gifts for guests.

Louise Roberts for dedicated volunteering at Verdmont Museum. Louise, who left the island in May 2025, was a weekly volunteer at Verdmont Museum for four years. Her warm hospitality, deep knowledge, and active support of museum operations made her an invaluable member of the Trust Museums team and she is missed.

Florence Laino for her active role on the Archaeology Research Committee and her hands-on involvement in Trust archaeological projects. These include an assessment in the Reeve Court basement, running a Dirt Diggers summer camp excavation at Waterville, and assisting with the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project. Her practical expertise and ongoing contributions are helping to shape both Bermuda’s and the Bermuda National Trust’s archaeological strategy.

The Bermuda Archives team, led by archivist Karla Ingemann, for their many years of helpful research and collections support. BNT is deeply grateful to the team for their expert stewardship of the Trust’s extensive archival holdings and valuable assistance with research, publications, and a wide range of curatorial and heritage projects that continue to enrich both our work and Bermuda’s cultural legacy.