A cross-section of Bermuda’s notable senior citizens came together for a special ceremony after being nominated by various organisations for the annual seniors awards.

Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, joined with shadow minister Michael Weeks to commend esteemed elders at the 29th ceremony. There were 34 in total, their contributions ranging from armed service to working with children, with the awards at The Fairmont Southampton Hotel themed “seniors sharing and caring”, Ms Gordon-Pamplin said.

“It is always a special opportunity for me to sit and share time with people who are what we call seasoned saints,” Ms Gordon-Pamplin told the gathering.

The awards paid tribute to centenarians Mary Harding, Imogene Lawrence, Rosie A Medeiros and Ruth Ann Marie Simons.

The “special couple” awards went to Dianne and Raymond Russell.

“Bermuda is vastly different from the days our youth — but thankfully, because of your influences, we are still very much a caring community,” the minister added.

“I know that, listening to the news sometimes, you can wonder if we really do still care for one another.

“However, I do believe that Bermudians still value taking care of their families and serving in their communities. All has not been lost. Truly, it is because our elders continue to demonstrate how we should care and share with our neighbours.”

This year’s awardees were: David Bell, Harry H Broadley, Egbert T Brown, Florence E Burgess, Anna Cann, Rosamund DB Daniels, Ada L Foggo, Ivan C “Bun” Fubler, Eula Viola Hill, GS Llewellyn Hollis, Walwyn Hughes, Eleanor Lambert, Melita B Landy, Marion L Lister, Samuel N Lynch, Dorothy Maybury, Olive M Postlethwaite, Eula IG Simmons, Ann Smith, Edna LR Smith, Ione E Smith, M Edwena Smith, Venita A Smith, Ismay E Steede, Doyleen A Trott, Marlyn L Trott, E Annette Whitter and Mary Williams.