The Bermuda Society’s Coordinator in Bermuda has been honoured with France’s highest order of merit – given for excellent civil or military conduct and established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte; Gary Phillips has been made a Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur.
The Consul General of France in New York, Anne-Claire Legendre gave Gary Phillips the award at a ceremony held at the Bermuda National Gallery, where Mr Phillips is Chairman. In her speech, Ms Legendre commended Mr Phillips for his passionate commitment to the French language and culture over many years and for encouraging the teaching of the French language in Bermuda and in France.
Gary Phillips was educated in Bermuda and in France at the Sorbonne.
He was awarded the OBE in 2010.
He was a founding member of L’Alliance Française des Bermudes; of which he was made President in 1974 – a position he held for ten years.
Mr. Phillips is the Chairman of One Communications Ltd (formerly KeyTech Ltd)