The Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall in the Caribbean-Mr. Martyn Charles William Bould is recognised a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (Civil Division) (MBE) in Queen Elizabeth II's 2012 Birthday Honours list, for his services to cultural preservation and development in the Cayman Islands.

Although a successful and renowned quantity surveyor and property developer in his own right, Mr. Bould is almost as well known for his enthusiastic support of the arts. Mr Bould stresses,"Art is essential, it gives one identity, it serves as a platform for self-discovery and it is a source ofnational pride. Simply put, it makes you a better person."

As a personal interest that resulted in more than three decades of community service, Mr Bould starting with the idea of developing a purpose-built theatre for the Islands’ actors. “Not only did it make us stop and look at what the physical needs of local theatre were, but it also made us think about Cayman’s heritage and the potential for its cultural development.”Mr. Bould says.

Mr. Bould, who served as vice chairman of the CNCF board since its inception in 1984,became chairman in 1995. During his tenure, he along with the talented and hard working board, staff and volunteers cemented the foundation’s reputation as the premier cultural organisation in the Cayman Islands.

Personal highlights during his chairmanship include the first production of Rundown, the establishment of Cayman’s own story-telling festival,Gimistory, and the Islands’ annual celebration of the arts, Cayfest.

Another proud moment for CNCF was acquiring Miss Lassie’s house in South Sound and securing its future when it was placed on the New York-based World Monument Fund’s prestigious Watch List after vigorous advocacy from the foundation. “To think the Cayman Islands has a cultural treasure that shares the company of amazing sites such as the Great Wall of China, Quetzalcoatl Temple, Taj Mahal and Valley of the Kings, is truly inspiring,” said Mr. Bould.

Apart from his work at the foundation, Mr. Bould is also a founding board member of the National Gallery and was chairman of the building committee which, following 12 years of fundraising, finally saw the completion of the new National Gallery building this year.

Although Mr. Bould has been awarded the Member of the British Empire for his services to cultural preservation and development in the Cayman Islands, professionally he has also made his mark on these Islands and the Caribbean.