Michael Dunkley and Jennifer Phillips earn royal salute
Bermuda Broadcasting graphic
Two Bermudians have been recognized by King Charles in his 2025 New Year’s Honours List.
Michael Dunkley has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to Bermuda.
And Jennifer Phillips has earned a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to the arts.
A press release from the Bermuda Government states:
“Michael Dunkley retired from active politics on March 31, 2024, following a distinguished career. He was a Member of the Bermuda Legislature from April 1997, and from May 2014 to July 2017, Michael Dunkley served as Premier of Bermuda.
During his political tenure, Michael Dunkley also served as Deputy Premier, the Minister of National Security, Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister of National Security and Health.
He is widely recognized throughout Bermuda as a successful and astute businessman, Michael Dunkley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dunkley’s Dairy, President of Island Properties Ltd, and the President of Dunkley’s Management Holdings Ltd.
Even though he has stepped down from active politics, he has continued his dedicated service to the community.
Michael Dunkley credits his family’s support in all his achievements, and celebrates this honour with his wife Pamela, daughters, Christine and Brooke, and his three grandchildren.
Jennifer L. Phillips has been passionate about the performing arts for over four decades. She has deep roots in the artistic community even from a young age, having trained as a ballet dancer with the Jackson School of Performing Arts from the age of 4.
Jennifer was a member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and United Dance Productions (UDP) and has performed both locally and internationally. Jennifer is also an experienced stage manager, having worked closely with the Department of Culture on the annual Premier’s Concert for over a decade. Jennfier also served as Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC).
Her current role at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) is one of her greatest passions. Jennifer is one of the longest serving members at the BNG, and has played a key role since 2015, when she joined as Office Administrator.
Thanks to Jennifer’s commitment, the Junior Bermuda Biennial exhibition now provides the island’s young people aged 5-17 with an internationally juried, national platform for artistic expression, and will become a core part of BNG’s Biennial programming going forward.
Jennifer Phillips’ deep understanding of Bermuda’s arts and culture, and her experience in all aspects of our community’s creative endeavors has helped to inspire creativity, and form a steppingstone to future success of so many in our arts community. This year’s King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is recognition of Jennifer’s significant contributions to Bermuda.”
