Summer Camp Team Earn PSEA Award
The Department of Sport and Recreation Summer Camp Registration Team — Director Kimberley Bean, Kenneth Bartram, Mia Butterfield, Michele Romaine, Anita Dowling, and Shelly-Ann Carter-Trott — earned the Public Service Excellence Award [PSEA] for July.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda announced today that the Department of Sport and Recreation Summer Camp Registration Team has been selected as the recipients of the July Public Service Excellence Award [PSEA], in recognition of their exceptional dedication, can-do spirit and commitment to serving Bermuda’s families during this year’s summer camp registration process.
“Those recognised include the Department’s Director, Kimberley C. Bean, Kenneth Bartram, Mia Butterfield, Michele Romaine, Anita Dowling, and Shelly-Ann Carter-Trott.
“Their collective efforts helped hundreds of families navigate a challenging registration period and ensured children were able to attend summer camp programmes across the island.
“This year’s registration process involved the introduction of a new online system designed to improve access and create a fairer experience for families seeking camp placements. However, the launch was impacted by technical issues that resulted in delays, intermittent access problems and, later, a lottery allocation error that affected a number of registrations.
“While the Department did not have responsibility for the platform’s technical infrastructure or software development, the team served as the public facing point of contact throughout the difficulties and worked tirelessly to support concerned parents.
“For several weeks, team members responded to a high volume of calls, emails and enquiries from families seeking assistance. They worked closely with government partners and service providers to identify solutions, provide updates and ensure parents received the support they needed during a particularly stressful period. Throughout the challenges, the team remained professional, patient and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for Bermuda’s children and families.
“When a review identified a lottery allocation issue affecting a number of camp placements, the team went above and beyond their regular duties to resolve the matter as quickly as possible. Staff devoted personal time, including working through a weekend, to contact affected families, review available options and secure revised placements. Their proactive approach helped minimise disruption and provided reassurance to parents at a critical time.
“The Head of the Public Service Cherie Whitter commended the team for embodying the values of public service during a period of intense public scrutiny.”
Ms. Whitter said, “While we acknowledge the government’s part in the system failures, this front facing team demonstrated their commitment to doing whatever is necessary to make things right when challenges arise. Despite circumstances beyond their control, they remained focused on supporting families with professionalism, empathy and compassion. Their determination to finding solutions, maintaining public confidence and ensuring children could participate in summer camp programmes reflects a level of service that deserves recognition.”
Acting Premier Zane DeSilva praised the team’s commitment saying, “The Department of Sport and Recreation Summer Camp Registration Team displayed outstanding dedication in the face of significant challenges. At a time when many families were understandably concerned and frustrated, these public officers remained patient, responsive and solution oriented. Their willingness to go above and beyond, including working outside normal hours to assist parents and resolve issues, exemplifies the highest standards of public service.”
The spokesperson said, “Each month, the Public Service Excellence Awards recognise individuals and teams who consistently demonstrate exceptional service, leadership, innovation and dedication to the community.”
