Roche Bermuda is a great believer in the island and its people.
The company deepened its longstanding support of scientific education in Bermuda this year with the launch of a $30,000 scholarship in partnership with Bermuda College.
Roche also initiated two internship programmes in partnership with CariGenetics and the College and awarded a $30,000 medical bursary.
LaRondie Harrell, president and general manager of the Roche Bermuda Group of Companies, said: “For more than 30 years, Roche Bermuda has quietly invested in the success of Bermuda College students — building and upgrading science labs, donating equipment and mentoring future scientists.
“This year marks a significant evolution of that legacy, with the introduction of record-breaking scholarships, strategic internships and a medical bursary designed to directly support Bermuda’s next generation of healthcare and science professionals.
“These initiatives reflect Roche’s unwavering belief that local talent, when nurtured and equipped, can lead on a global stage.
“We’re proud to stand with Bermuda College and CariGenetics to create meaningful, long-term opportunities that strengthen our community and elevate Bermuda’s role in the future of medicine, science and innovation.”
Three Bermuda College graduates with associate degrees – Milahn Powell, Ameera Gilbert and Nahjae Rayner – each received $10,000 to support further studies overseas in accredited science-related bachelor’s programmes.
They are the largest individual scholarships in the college’s history.
Ms Powell, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing, plans to return to Bermuda as a registered nurse; Ms Gilbert, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science, has a goal of entering medical research or clinical practice; Ms Rayner, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in life sciences, aims to apply scientific knowledge to the healthcare sector.
A Roche spokeswoman said: “These three historic $10,000 scholarships totalling $30,000, tying to the 30 years Roche has partnered with the Bermuda College, are part of Roche Bermuda’s broader commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s scientific and healthcare talent pipeline.
“By investing directly in students poised to lead in the medical field, Roche is reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Bermuda College and helping ensure that local talent is positioned for global opportunity and long-term community impact.”
She added: “These scholarships remove financial barriers while validating the recipients’ hard work and ambition. More importantly, they help build Bermuda’s long-term resilience by preparing local talent to return with global insights and technical skills that can directly benefit the island’s healthcare and science sectors.”
Empowering talent
Roche partnered with Dr Carika Weldon, the founder of CariGenetics, to launch a ten-week paid internship programme this past summer for a Bermudian with a laboratory science degree.
Keagan Woolley, a recent graduate of Rollins College with an undergraduate degree in biochemistry / molecular biology, worked full-time at the CariGenetics Research Lab for the duration of the internship.
Roche said the internship bridges academic achievement and industry readiness, offering practical lab experience on impactful, cutting-edge research projects.
During the 2025/26 academic year, the Roche CariGenetics Bermuda College Laboratory Internship will provide a paid, 28-week internship for a student to work eight hours weekly in the CariGenetics laboratory.
Roche said the intern will gain valuable lab and research experience and may contribute to peer-reviewed Caribbean scientific publications.
The $30,000 Roche Medical Bursary, given to a Bermudian who has been accepted into medical school, was presented to Keiazia Busby, who is studying for a doctorate in medicine at the St George’s School of Medicine.
Roche said the purpose of the bursary is to support the student’s journey toward a career in medicine with a goal of returning to serve Bermuda’s healthcare needs.
A spokeswoman said: “Roche Bermuda views these scholarships, internships and the bursary as investments in both local leadership and global excellence.
“As part of the Roche Group, the third largest pharmaceutical company in the world, we understand the level of innovation, professionalism and ethical responsibility required to lead in science and healthcare today.
“We expect each recipient to strive for academic and personal excellence, to carry forward a mindset of service and to see themselves not only as future contributors to Bermuda, but as scientists, clinicians and changemakers who can operate at a world-class level.
“Whether they work in a local lab, a hospital, or an international research institution, they represent what is possible when Bermudian talent is empowered and equipped.”
