A well-known entertainer and a popular radio personality have been recognised in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.Musician Gene Steede and HOTT 107.5 host Kristy Burgess, a.k.a. ‘Miss Thang’ joined four other worthy Bermudians to be handed a royal honour.Mr Steede was awarded a MBE (Member of the British Empire), along with long-time volunteer Jane Christine Bielby.Ms Burgess was given the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour, as were art director Karen Pollard, volunteer Myrtle Perinchief and Linda Sousa, a founding member of Bermuda Riding for the Disabled.The recipients yesterday expressed their shock and joy over being named in the Queen’s honour list.Mr Steede, who is recognised as one of Bermuda’s cultural ambassadors, said: “I am honoured to be honoured. It is very uplifting. I am delighted and I really appreciate the fact of not being over-looked for things.“I hope I can live up to this and stand tall,” he added.During his 50-year career he sang and played guitar and congo drums in many of the Island’s hotels and even toured overseas in places like the US and Canada.The self-taught musician has been applauded for his contributions to local culture and for encouraging a new generation of Bermudians to pursue their dreams.Award-winning radio host Ms Burgess was honoured for her community service, which includes hosting a Christmas gift drive to provide needy families with food baskets and presents (see story on page 6).She said she was speechless when she found out about the award and added: “Truth be told I still am.“Believe it or not this award falls in line with some of my many dreams and aspirations I have yet to fulfill and this is just the beginning.“This award represents so much but if I could put it into words it would be, ‘significance, appreciation, gratitude & divine purpose’. It also represents the hearts of my Bermudians for the work that I do.. and means more than words can explain.”Mrs Bielby has worked tirelessly for the Girl Guides of Bermuda for 30 years where she has acted as secretary, assistant guide leader and now treasurer.She successfully runs the annual guide training weekends and camp fires and also helps with fundraising efforts each year, such as raising money for water pumps in Somalia.Myrtle Perinchief, an active volunteer at Packwood Home, was honoured for her good works within her church, St James, and the community.She regularly sells tags for the Island’s charities, helps families in need and transports seniors to appointments and functions.Karen Pollard was honoured for her contribution to the Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts and the local community.Among her achievements, Mrs Pollard helped to establish a new school outreach programme in 2004, which taught young people to appreciate music, theatre and dance.Linda Sousa, one of three founding members of the Bermuda Riding for the Disabled and the sole instructor, also received the recognition.Mrs Sousa dedicates her time to helping adult special riders each week and is committed to making life better for those least able to help themselves.