2018 Scholarship Recipients

Ministerial Statement by the Minister of Education and Workforce Development, The Hon. Diallo V. Rabain, JP, MP:

Mr. Speaker, This morning I rise, and it is with great pleasure to share with this Honorable House, the recipients of the Department of Workforce Development’s 2018 Scholarship programme. This year’s recipients were presented their awards on Thursday, July 12th at a lunch-time reception held at the Department of Workforce Development.

Mr. Speaker, This Government continues to demonstrate how we value and invest in our people and their education. We are delivering on our pledge to provide greater opportunities for Bermudians that will help them move closer to achieving their individual educational and career goals, while also securing a sustainable current and future economy.

The scholarship recipients reflect diversity in their educational backgrounds, and their aspirations boded well in aligning with the employment gaps highlighted in the statistical publication - Bermuda Job Market (Employment Brief 2017), and the high work permits jobs advertised on the Bermuda Job Board.  

Mr. Speaker, A total of thirty four (34) persons were awarded scholarships for 2018.  Sixteen (16) students were awarded the National Technical Vocational Training (NTVT) scholarship, valued at up to $10,000 per student for the initial length of their programme pursuing an Associate or Bachelor’s degree. Six (6) students were awarded the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Professional Development Award valued up to $5,000 for a period of one year only.

Funding was awarded to twelve (12) students studying at the Bermuda College. Before, these funds ranged from $500 to $3,000 per year for tuition only, but as of this year Fall 2018 will include full tuition plus incidentals, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Department of Workforce Development and the Bermuda College.

Mr. Speaker, The list of recipients is long but I believe it noteworthy to state who the students are and their programme of study so that my Honourable colleagues and the listening audience can appreciate the diversity of disciplines that our students are pursuing.

Let me start with the Bermuda College Scholarship Recipients:

Seven students will be pursuing an Associate of Science in Nursing, namely:  Camille Outerbridge; Chelsey Walker; Jahshae Simons; Mikia Parris; Regina Dill; Sherlrina Thomas and Zyair Scott. 
Two students, Jaha Matthews and Selina Wellman plan to study towards an Associate of Arts in Business Administration. China Nisbett intends to obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration, Corey Outerbridge, an Associate of Science, and Rodae Bascome, an Associate in Hospitality and Management. 

Mr. Speaker, This is encouraging and evidence that our students are taking advantage of the many tertiary level programmes offered at the Bermuda College.

Mr. Speaker, I now move on to the recipients of the Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) Professional Development Award. They are:

Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the recipients of the National Technical Vocational Training (NTVT) scholarship valued at $10,000, are:

NTVT RECIPIENTS

Mr. Speaker, I ask my Honourable colleagues to join me this morning in congratulating all of the scholarship recipients. We wish them every success as they further their studies at various accredited Universities both abroad and at Bermuda College.

Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to recognize the staff at the Department of Workforce Development for the important and invaluable work they continue to do ensuring that Bermudians are positioned to access the many jobs available. Finally, I thank the Educational Scholarship and Awards Committee for their commitment during the vetting of applications and scholarship selection process.  Bermuda holds a brighter future as we continue to support and provide educational opportunities for our young people in their education journey for life-long learning. 

Thank you - Mr. Speaker.