Mr. Speaker, it is with great enthusiasm that I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Government’s Public Service Scholarship Award Programme 2026, an important initiative designed to invest in Bermudians and strengthen the capacity of Bermuda’s Public Service.
Mr. Speaker, this programme was established in response to the Government’s 2025 Throne Speech commitment to modernise the Public Service Graduate Scheme and to ensure that Bermuda has a strong pipeline of qualified, capable and committed professionals ready to serve in critical areas across Government.
Mr. Speaker, the Public Service Scholarship Award Programme provides tuition support of up to BD$30,000 per year, renewable for up to three years, for Bermudians pursuing studies in critical and hard to fill posts. These posts are directly linked to the needs of the Public Service and include areas such as health, engineering, planning, environmental services, policy, legal training and other essential professional disciplines.
Recipients of the scholarship are required to return to Bermuda after completing their studies and serve in an approved Public Service role for five years. This requirement ensures that the Government’s investment supports not only the individual recipient, but also the wider community through strengthened public services.
Mr. Speaker, the programme also includes mandatory internship placements within Government departments, giving scholarship recipients practical experience, early exposure to the Public Service, and a clearer understanding of the work they will be expected to undertake upon completion of their studies.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that the Spring 2026 award cycle attracted a healthy interest, with approximately 34 applications received. Following the assessment and interview process, awards were assigned across priority roles in the Cabinet Office, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Justice.
The Spring 2026 awards targeted posts including Policy Analyst, Dental Hygienist, Senior Medical Officer, Medical Officer, Dental Officer, Environmental Health Officer and Pupil. While two awards were subsequently declined, the process demonstrated strong public interest in opportunities that connect education, career development and service to Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, a total of $500,000 was allotted to the programme. Of this amount, $316,000 was used for the Spring 2026 awards (including support of existing Bursary Students), leaving BD$184,000 available to support the Fall 2026 awards. I am pleased to advise that no additional funding is required for the Fall 2026 cycle.
The Fall 2026 cycle was introduced to respond to additional demand from students requiring sponsorship and to allow departments with critical workforce needs to participate where positions were not advertised during the Spring cycle or where departmental requests were not submitted during the initial period.
There are 13 advertised posts in the Fall 2026 cycle across Public Works, Environmental and Natural Resources, Planning and Health. These include engineering, veterinary, planning, environmental health, dental, speech language pathology, nursing and environmental coordination roles.
Mr. Speaker, this programme is more than a scholarship. It is a strategic talent acquisition tool for the Government. It supports succession planning, enables recruitment and retention of future talent, and helps ensure that Bermudians are prepared to fill essential roles that the country depends on.
Mr. Speaker, by linking scholarship support to a clear Public Service commitment, the Government is ensuring that public funds are used responsibly and that Bermuda receives a meaningful return on its investment. We are supporting our people, strengthening our institutions, and preparing the Public Service for future demands.
I wish to thank the departments that have participated in this programme, the officers who have supported the assessment process, and the applicants who have demonstrated their commitment to professional development and public service.
Mr. Speaker, The Government will continue to invest in Bermudians, support critical workforce needs, and build a modern, capable and service-focused Public Service for the benefit of the people of Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, Thank you.
