2025 New Years Honours List spotlight contributions from the Overseas Territories

The New Year Honours List serves as an opportunity to celebrate and recognise outstanding contributions by individuals across the UK and the Commonwealth, including the British Overseas Territories.

This year, the 2025 Honours List highlighted the remarkable achievements of a number of individuals from the Overseas Territories, whose dedication and service have made a significant impact in their communities. From advancements in science and aviation in the British Antarctic Territory to fostering education and sports in Gibraltar, and promoting tourism and conservation in Montserrat, the recipients represent a diverse range of fields, professions and skills. Their accomplishments not only showcase their personal commitment but also reflect the rich cultural and professional contributions of the British Overseas Territories to the global stage.

Rod Arnold, Head of the Air Unit at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
Rod Arnold has been awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours list for services to Polar Science and Aviation in British Antarctic Territory.

Rod has been an integral part of the BAS for over 34 years, beginning his journey in 1989 as a biologist conducting scientific work in the Antarctic regions. He later transitioned to the role of Field Operations Manager, where he oversaw the UK field programme to support Antarctic science delivery. Rod is highly respected within the international aviation and polar science communities.

In his current role, Rod manages a fleet of five aircraft that serve as the primary link to and from Antarctica, which provide essential medical evacuation capabilities, and support deep-field logistics for both scientific campaigns and airborne research. This aviation capability is vital to the BAS mission, and Rod holds key accountability for its operations and safety. He also serves as co-chair of the Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programmes Specialist Aviation Group. His exemplary contributions to strategic priorities such as safety, sustainability, and equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are widely acknowledged.

Since assuming the position of Head of Air Unit in 2013, Rod has significantly expanded the scope of air operations. His leadership has enabled aerial work and science delivery for major stakeholders, including other Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) centres, the European Space Agency, NASA, and the US National Science Foundation.

Rod Arnold, Head of BAS Air Unit (fourth from right) with the Air Unit, Rothera Research Station, Antarctica

Loxley Banks, formerly Director of Broadcasting, Radio Cayman
Loxley Banks has been awarded an MBE for services to Broadcasting in the Cayman Islands.

Banks, 86, has enjoyed a career in broadcasting for over 60 years. He is currently on a short break from his radio show at Radio Cayman, however he intends to return early this year.

The Caymanian broadcaster has worked on US radio stations, the US Armed Forces Radio and Television network, and is very active with the local Veterans Association and the Seafarers Association. He has demonstrated his commitment to provide news and quality entertainment to all listeners.

On numerous occasions, Mr Banks has demonstrated his commitment to ensuring Caymanians are informed. During both Hurricane Gilbert and Hurricane Ivan, Loxley went above and beyond to ensure the people of the Cayman Islands remained connected throughout the storms. Notably during Hurricane Gilbert, Mr Banks, along with two other staff members braved the howling winds to retrieve severed antenna cables which became damaged due to the roof of Broadcasting House collapsing.

Loxley Banks presenting

James Daley, Philanthropist and Founder, Scriber’s Adventure Tours, Montserrat
James Daley has been awarded an MBE for services to the Natural World and to Tourism on Montserrat.

Daley is Montserrat’s foremost natural world expert. He has been hiking and protecting Montserrat’s forest trails for over 40 years, impressing visitors with his unparalleled knowledge of Montserrat’s flora, fauna and wildlife. Daley is Montserrat’s expert on its national bird the Oriole. Each tour is different and even if you take the same trail you have taken before, you are guaranteed to see something different and learn something new.

Mr Daleys passion is clear as he states on his website that, “there is nothing better I enjoy than introducing residents and visitors to the secrets hidden in my Emerald Isle Montserrat. I want each person who takes a hike with me, a boat tour or a historic trek into the past to fall in love with my home.”

James Daley leading a tour

Leslie Grech, Vice President; Calpe Rowing Club, Gibraltar
Leslie Grech, a member of Calpe Rowing Club and the Gibraltar Amateur Rowing Association has been awarded an MBE for services to rowing in Gibraltar.

Mr Grech’s lifelong dedication to rowing both at the historic Calpe Rowing Club and the Gibraltar Amateur Rowing Association, has significantly impacted on the development and vitality of Rowing on the Rock, contributing significantly to Gibraltar’s international sporting success.

Leslie’s contribution has included training young Gibraltarian rowers for years, including recently Jack Prior who made the Team GB squad after his starting at Calpe Rowing Club under Leslie.

Leslie Grech

Stewart Harrison, Private Secretary, Ministry of Education and Transport, HM Government of Gibraltar
Stewart Harrison has been awarded an MBE for services to Digital Skills Education for Young Learners in Gibraltar.

Mr Harrison is former Head of Physics at Bayside School, Gibraltar. Stewart has long championed digital education on the Rock, successfully leading seven teams of young people to the CyberCenturion finals, a cyber security competition designed by the American Air Force Association and powered by Northrop Grumman. Teams attempt to discover all the security vulnerabilities within various operating systems.

Mr Harrison is the founding trustee of the Gibraltar Digital Skills Academy which will benefit generations of Gibraltarians to come. It aims to close the gender, skills and technology gap through educational initiatives, training partnerships with various entities and working with the community at large to identify where they can help those in need.

Stewart Harrison

Michael Dunkley, formerly Premier of Bermuda
Michael Dunkley has been awarded a CBE for services to Bermuda.

Mr 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, he 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.

Even though he has stepped down from active politics, he has continued his dedicated service to the community. Mr Dunkley has dedicated his efforts to supporting and uplifting countless Bermudians.

FOTBOT were delighted to host a podcast with two former Overseas Territories Premiers, including Michael Dunkley which can be accessed here.

Michael Dunkley

Dr Graham Ryan, Director, Montserrat Volcano Observatory
Dr Graham Ryan has been awarded an OBE for services to Volcanology and Geothermal Physics in Montserrat.

Ryan’s work with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory (MVO) dates back to 1996 when he was an intern. Following this, he completed his undergraduate studies in Physics and completed a PhD in volcanology.

Since then, his impressive global academic and research work have helped to develop understanding of Soufriere Hills Volcano and the surrounding area along with the island’s geothermal energy potential. He has published over 20 articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed international publications.

Dr Graham Ryan

Maria Boyle, lately Chief Executive Officer, Air Safety Support International
Maria Boyle has been awarded an MBE for services to Aviation Safety and Security in the British Overseas Territories.

Ms Boyle retired after many years service to Air Safety Support International (ASSI) which provides a more cohesive system of civil aviation safety and security regulation in the British Overseas Territories. Maria made an enormous contribution to the development of ASSI over 14 years and was hugely dedicated to the safe development and operation of aviation in the Territories.

Frances McConvey, Head of Music, John Gray High School, Cayman Islands

Frances McConvey has been awarded a BEM for services to Music Education in the Cayman Islands.

Ms McConvey is currently the Head of Music at John Gray High School and has been recognised, especially for her role as a music teacher.

She shared her honour with the many educators on the island who play a critical role in raising future leaders and was delighted to see music recognised at such a prestigious level. This is the third recognition she has received for her work over her 41 years of teaching.

The principal of John Gray High School, Jonathan Clark commented that McConvey is, “simply an outstanding teacher.”

Frances McConvey

Everyone at FOTBOT offers our congratulations to the recipients of honours in the 2025 New Years Honours List.