Alderney’s long-serving Jurat, and former Chairman of the Court of Alderney, Neil Hunter, has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list.
Jurat Hunter is one of seven individuals to receive a Birthday Honour this year across the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
His MBE is for services to Alderney.
Mr Hunter expressed his “great shock and surprise” at the news earlier this week.
He said the honour brings immense pride to him and his family.
He was also keen to highlight the work of others around him in Alderney.
“Being appointed MBE came as a great shock and surprise, and does of course give me and my family great pride. The Alderney Court Jurats and staff work as a team and I would like to see it is recognition of all the members of the Court who give up their time to give something back to the community of Alderney.”
Mr Hunter arrived in Alderney in the early 1990s to manage the local branch of Midland Bank, having started his banking career in the North West of England in 1973. After leaving the bank in 2007, he joined and later took over the local firm Century Accounting Ltd.
His distinguished service to the Court of Alderney began with his appointment as a Jurat in March 2009. He went on to become Chairman three years later, and served in the role until his retirement in July 2024.
Throughout his 16 years on the bench, Jurat Hunter was a mentor to others and, as Chairman he served on various trusts benefiting the island, including those for the hospital and school.
Beyond his judicial and financial careers, Mr Hunter has been a significant contributor to Alderney’s community in many voluntary capacities.
He has a particular passion for the island’s maritime heritage, serving for 15 years as a Trustee of the Henry Euler Memorial Trust.
His work with the Trust includes supporting art acquisitions, engaging in research collaborations with international universities, co-organising Alderney’s first international maritime history symposium, and promoting ongoing research and sponsorship.