Public Service Bursary Award Recipients

Good Afternoon.

Acknowledging the presence of: Assistant Cabinet Secretary Judith Hall-Bean, Director of Human Resources Carlita O’Brien, Senior Training Manager and Mistress of Ceremony Deborah Thomas-Gilkes, Guests and our recipients.

I honoured to be a part of this celebration for the 2012 Bermuda Government Public Service Bursary Award recipients.

Today is a day to celebrate your hard work and determination. As the Minister of Education, I am particularly excited when individuals pursue their talents and goals through further education.

I could not help but notice that both Dr. Akbar Muhammad Class of 1992 and Mr. Alfred Roberts Class of 2004, in their respective graduation addresses to their alma maters, the Berkeley Institute and Cedarbridge Academy, mentioned the improvement. in the number and variety of scholarships and awards now available to help young people with their studies.

And I was reminded that the history books are full of stories of gifted people whose talents were overlooked until someone believed in them. The fact that you are here today means that someone – outside of your families and friends – believes in you.

While it’s easy to complain and get discouraged with the challenges that we currently face as a Country, days like today make it all worthwhile. The list of this year’s Bursary recipients is very impressive and I would venture to say that practically every sector of the workforce is covered by this year’s Scholars.

There are Economists, Accountants, Chemical Engineers, Aviation Scientists, Biologists, Lawyers, Architects, Business Administrators, Electrical Engineers, Health and Safety Officers and Social Workers just to name a few.

You are tomorrow’s leaders and each of you will be responsible for doing your part to ensure a successful future not just for yourselves, but for your families and for all of Bermuda. As you move forward in your life’s journey – it will be important that you continue to pay it forward.

Remember to lift up those who are behind you; share your knowledge, wisdom and experience – and your struggles and triumphs – with those who may need your guidance and direction. You are the 2012 Bermuda Government Public Service Bursary Awardees and we are proud of each one of you.

In closing: “Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals you are seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn from the turtle – it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck”.

Congratulations and continued success.

Thank you.

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