Public servants, the founders of an entrepreneurship programme and a champion of youth football have all been named in the 2025 New Year’s Honours List.

Gaynell Hayward-Caesar, the island’s first sexual assault nurse, was appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for outstanding service to healthcare and public service in Bermuda.

Ms Hayward-Caesar was credited with establishing Bermuda’s Sexual Assault Response Team, developing forensic nursing services and advocating for vulnerable populations.

A government spokeswoman said: “Her leadership in this critical area has transformed Bermuda’s ability to respond to sexual assault cases with dignity and justice.

“She continues to advocate for vulnerable populations through her co-ordination of the SART. Other notable achievements include establishing Bermuda’s first Covid-19 drive-through testing site, securing critical PPE supplies during the pandemic and she also broke barriers as the first Black manager of the maternity ward.

“As Chief Nursing Officer for the Department of Health, she has championed patient care, resource accessibility and community health initiatives. Her dedication to mentoring and empowering others reflects her lifelong commitment to improving healthcare locally and internationally.”

Meanwhile, four residents were awarded King’s Certificates and Badges of Honours in the list with Don MacKenzie, Neil Patterson and Joanne Brangman honoured for services to the community, while Henrik Schroder was recognised for services to the development of sports in Bermuda.

The King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is awarded for outstanding contributions to public life or to people who committed themselves to serving and helping Bermuda over a sustained period.

The government spokeswoman said Ignite Bermuda, founded by Mr Mackenzie and Mr Patterson, had empowered more than 600 entrepreneurs and community leaders, creating 282 jobs.

The two were also recognised for their work supporting the third sector.

The spokeswoman noted Mr Mackenzie had served as chairman of Family Centre, trustee of the Bermuda Hospital Charitable Trust and commissioner of the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission, while co-founding the Bermuda Infrastructure Fund.

Meanwhile Mr Patterson, the former chairman of KPMG Bermuda, was credited for mentoring entrepreneurs and shaping policy, fostering collaboration between corporate and community sectors and strengthening the non-profit sector.

Ms Brangman was honoured for her contributions to the Department of Libraries and Archives, where she oversaw the merger of the Bermuda National Library and Archives, the introduction of public internet access, the launch of digital collections and other preservation initiatives across more than 40 years of work.

The spokeswoman said: “Ms Brangman championed community outreach, expanded learning platforms and created spaces that celebrate Bermuda’s cultural heritage.

“Beyond her many achievements, she is most proud of mentoring and developing her team, fostering excellence in public service. Having recently retired, she remains committed to advancing the vision of a unified library facility, continuing her lifelong mission to inspire learning and strengthen community.”

Mr Schroder, the cofounder of the ABC Football School and Foundation, was recognised for his service to youth football development over the past 20 years

The spokeswoman said: “His efforts have been pivotal in creating Bermuda’s largest youth football programme, the Bascome Football School, and establishing the Bermuda Football Coaches Association, which introduced Uefa coaching licences locally.”

“Henrik’s leadership through the ABC Foundation has provided bursaries, scholarships and overseas opportunities for young players, as well as coach education programmes that elevated Bermuda’s football standards to international levels.

“His initiatives have benefited hundreds of local young people, breaking barriers to education and careers while promoting community engagement through sport.”

The Overseas and International Honours List comprises substantive awards for British citizens and those of a Commonwealth country where His Majesty is the head of state.

Nominations are decided by an honours committee in Britain. The committee’s recommendations go to Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, and then to King Charles III, who awards the honour.