Minister Participates In Leadership Programme
Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne recently participated in the International Visitor Leadership Programme [IVLP], the US Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Hon. Alexa N. H. Lightbourne, JP, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, recently participated in the International Visitor Leadership Programme [IVLP], the US Department of State’s premier professional exchange programme.
“Minister Lightbourne was nominated by United States Consul General Antoinette Hurtado and was one of thirteen participants selected from countries across Africa, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and Asia.
“The programme, US Energy Policy: Security, Independence, and Innovation, is a sector intensive across Washington, DC, Tulsa, Oklahoma, New Orleans, Louisiana, and Phoenix, Arizona.
“It is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the US Department of State and administered by the American Councils for International Education. The IVLP was established in 1940, and over 500 current and former heads of government, more than 1,000 members of parliament, and twelve Nobel Laureates have participated.
“Across the programme, Minister Lightbourne engaged with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, the US Department of State, ONEOK, The Williams Companies, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the Louisiana Public Service Commission, and the LSU Center for Energy Studies. The programme concludes in Phoenix, where participants will visit the Palo Verde Energy Education Centre, associated with the largest nuclear power plant in the United States, and meet with the Arizona Corporation Commission and the Arizona Energy Consortium.
“Minister Lightbourne’s participation is directly connected to the Government’s ongoing reform of Bermuda’s energy sector, including amendments to the Regulatory Authority Act 2011 and the Electricity Act 2016, and the broader work of the Department of Energy to advance a right-sized energy transition that prioritises affordability, reliability, and accessibility for Bermudian households and businesses.”
Minister Lightbourne said, “This programme has provided direct engagement with the federal agencies, state regulators, and infrastructure operators that shape U.S. energy policy. The relationships and insight gained will inform the work we are advancing to deliver a more affordable, resilient, and accountable energy system for Bermuda.”
“The IVLP is the US Department of State’s flagship program for engaging and connecting leaders from around the world through professional exchange. It is an opportunity to come together to examine some of the toughest challenges of the day and use the expertise and dialogue to make meaningful advancements,” US Consul General Hurtado said.
“It was my pleasure to nominate Minister Lightbourne for the 2026 program in recognition of her leadership within the Ministry of Home Affairs and her work alongside key partners in developing Bermuda’s energy policy for the next generation. I am confident that the discussions undertaken through this program will contribute meaningfully to Bermuda’s continued efforts to strengthen its energy framework and build a path forward. I congratulate the Minister on her successful completion of the program and look forward to how the United States and Bermuda can continue to partner to address global issues.”
The spokesperson said, “Minister Lightbourne extended her thanks to the US Consul General for the nomination and for supporting Bermuda’s continued engagement at this level.”
Leadership programme?
You jest.