She lives by the tenet that she doesn’t want to be boxed in, and hopes to show others, especially women, that there are no limits to their ambitions. 

“My hope for all women is that we are not categorised by what was in the past,” she said. 

“While categories help to make life easy to explain to those who think they need explaining, a category does not define you now, nor will it define who you will be. 

“As time evolves, so should the evolution of constantly having to prove and explain who we are. A woman can and always has been whomever she thinks she is, and I hope that more people will stop trying to categorise us as just women.”

INNOVATIVE IN THE DAY JOB 

As an educator for almost 20 years, Ms York manages her role as an administrator at Whitney Institute, a team leader for the M2 year group and a middle school English teacher. 

Driving forward the mission of the school, Ms York is also responsible for the school’s yearbook and social media pages. 

As an educator, being dynamic is a must. 

“I drive myself to be as innovative as possible along my teaching journey,” Ms York said. 

“I am inspired by other leaders and educators interested in growing within their craft by using past experiences and transferable skills. 

Her experiences as a student in the public school system brought her immense joy, and she hopes to continue creating a similarly inspiring environment. 

“I had healthy and enjoyable learning experiences in public school education as a child and liked to go to school,” she said. 

“I trusted and admired my teachers and looked to them as my inspiration.” 

JUGGLING DUTIES 

Outside of day-to-day teaching duties at Whitney, Ms York was recently promoted to president of West Pembroke’s PTA, where her 8-year-old daughter is a pupil. She is also a member of the Bermuda Education Network’s Outstanding Teacher Award Selection Committee, an award which she was nominated for in 2022. 

Her determination to not fit into certain categories has been the catalyst to her growth as an entrepreneur. 

In between juggling the teaching and volunteering roles, her work ethic has led to the success of her mobile luxury makeup services, Basic Beauty Studio, and the recent opening of her online clothing store, Debut Apparel Company. 

“I have to remind myself that if you do not do the work, you will not get the results you want,” she said. “While help is appreciated, you must be your biggest cheerleader and remain disciplined.” 

INSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE 

But her hard work has not gone unnoticed in the community. As part of a recent project on Black Bermudian Entrepreneurs, a young Francis Patton student chose Ms York to highlight her achievements in making women and girls feel beautiful, both inside and out, as an accomplished makeup artist. 

To make time for it all, without relegating family and friend relationships to the backseat, Ms York maintains a schedule to make sure “to enjoy the moments with them”. 

Spending time watching her daughter “develop her extracurricular skills through dance with United Productions and gymnastics with Bermuda Gymnastics,” has been incredibly rewarding. 

“It is difficult to detach entirely from both work and volunteering and family, but I do my best not to feel inadequate by giving myself grace,” she said. 

“Spending my time the way I want to outside of working and volunteering hours with family and friends is essential.” 

She added: “Sometimes, being alone helps me recharge.” 

LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES 

But her strength and confidence as an inspiring educator and entrepreneur is all about discipline. 

“I am confident in everything I am a part of because I ensure that I remain disciplined in all my crafts and have developed the confidence to say no or walk away from opportunities that do not align with my personal or professional ethics,” she said. 

“I make mistakes. I learn from them and adjust.” 

BE WHOEVER YOU WANT! 

Her hope for women now and in the future is to shake off the idea that there is only one path we can take. 

“One of the challenges I have encountered is introducing and reintroducing the concept to people that you do not have to be just one thing. 

“You do not just have to be an educator, an accountant or a stay-at-home mom solely. You can be whoever you want, even if that means having more than one title.” 

Good advice for all of us! 

The post Don’t box yourself in! appeared first on RG Magazines.

Shellé Thompson strongly believes this sentiment is part of the winning formula for her success. 

Ms Thompson was recently appointed chairwoman of the board of trustees for the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, an organisation which has had a huge impact on her life. 

“I have been associated with BFIS since 2000,” she explained. “I have been a scholar, mentee, mentor, intern, and then served on the mentorship and scholarship committee, became a board member and now I have the immense honour of being the chair of BFIS. 

“The BFIS model works. I encourage all students to take an active role and allow BFIS to help you go from the classroom to the boardroom.” 

A LONG ROAD TO THE TOP 

Her aspirations of working in the insurance industry began when she was a student at the Berkeley Institute. After graduating from Bryant University, Ms Thompson started her career as an underwriting assistant at Allied World in the Professional Lines and Healthcare Departments. In 2023, she rejoined the Allied World team and she is now the Product Lead of the Bermuda Healthcare Division, where she is in charge of the healthcare team and responsible for the overall underwriting strategy and profitability of the company’s healthcare portfolio. 

“It’s very rewarding to rejoin the same team as the leader bringing back enhanced expertise from underwriting roles at other companies,” she said. 

THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY SUPPORT 

Her hard work was ingrained from an early age: she followed an admirable example of work ethic from her grandparents and enjoyed “endless support” from her parents. The incredible people she has surrounded herself, she said, have been the greatest influence along her career path. 

“I had the most dynamic line of supporters that helped mould me and prepare me for all the opportunities that came my way,” she said. 

BFIS matched her with a mentor, Allison Towlson, early in her career. 

“I still remember some of the advice Allison gave me, and I have shared that advice with many other young professionals that I have mentored along the way,” she said. 

She has also appreciated the many inspirational women she has worked alongside, including Dr Crystal Clay, Diann White-Lindsay, Kirsten Beasley, Carla Greaves and Kim Wilkerson. 

“I have gained invaluable skills from these ladies and others who have helped shape my professional growth.” 

PAYING IT FORWARD TO THE NEXT GENERATION 

Now, as she navigates BFIS into the future, she can look back on all of those who have supported her and ensure that the same is available to the next generation of Bermudians wishing to enter the insurance industry. 

She hails the prior chairs, including most recently Stephen Jones, who for the past 27 years, have “done a remarkable job making BFIS a successful charitable organisation”. 

As BFIS approaches 30 years supporting students whose goals are to enter the insurance industry, she has a clear vision for the future, including expanding scholarship offerings to provide more funding to more deserving students. 

“Scholarships are not just about funding, they are about transforming lives,” she said. 

“The need for scholarships for Bermudian students continues to grow as more students face rising tuition costs and financial hardships. 

“As a community, we are fortunate to have so many corporations donate to various organisations such as BFIS and others to fund scholarships. 

“Many donors have been with BFIS since the beginning, and we are very grateful for their continued support and contributions. 

“While many companies donate, there is room to develop partnerships with new donors allowing BFIS and other organisations to award more scholarships to more students.” 

TOP ADVICE: STAY ORGANISED AS YOU APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS 

Her wealth of knowledge can be an inspiration for those students who are just beginning their scholarship journey. 

As students begin to send out applications, Ms Thompson said: “There are several scholarship and bursary opportunities out there for financial support for college students. Make sure you apply for everything you meet the criteria for. 

“There are also scholarships out there that are also specific to students based on financial need; be aware of you and your families’ financial circumstances and pick a school that fits within your budget.” 

When it comes to a successful scholarship application she advised: “Be organised. The documentation requirements needed to apply for a scholarship can be overwhelming. 

“Keep all your documents organised so that you have all the information handy when it is time to apply. Be prepared and practise going over generic interview questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help – ask your family, other professionals, your schoolteachers and family friends to do mock interviews with you. 

“This will assist with you becoming comfortable talking about yourself and your achievements along with some prepared examples.” 

The post Scholarships to transform lives appeared first on RG Magazines.

But building a road map and taking the time to plan for the scholarships that most closely match your needs can make your potential for success far greater. 

Former scholarship recipient Amber Reid boosted her studies throughout her higher education journey by landing awards including the Environmental Education Grant and the Steinhoff/BZS Scholarship for Environmental Sciences. 

She graduated from Northeastern University with a BSc in environmental science, cum laude, with a minor in business analytics in 2018. 

Ms Reid provided her top tips for success. 

1. Start early! Ms Reid says that even if applications aren’t yet open, it’s never too early to prepare. She recommended the Bermuda Scholarships website, which has a thorough step-by-step guide for preparing for applying for scholarships under the Resources tab. 
2. Cast a wide net. While it is tempting to hone your search early on, Ms Reid suggested starting with a broad search. 

“If you set stringent filters when you first begin researching scholarships, you may miss opportunities that are not specific to an area of study or that you may be eligible for based on unique criteria,” she said. 

But it’s also critical to read what’s required for the application and, if unsure, make contact with the scholarship provider. This is another reason to start early. 

1. Develop a consistent relationship with your institution’s education/career development resource and treat that as an additional course or class. 

“If you have a career counsellor, work with them to plan and frequently check in with them,” advised Ms Reid. 

“This person can provide invaluable guidance and assistance with your scholarship search and application journey. My career counsellor helped me to manage transcript requests, grade scale conversions, communication with universities, securing letters of recommendation, and much more.” 

1. Prioritise the opportunities that work best for your needs. When going through the different scholarship opportunities, Ms Reid said you should consider your budget and how your support needs may change over the course of your study. It’s also important to seek out scholarships that support your area of study and your career goals, and make sure that the scholarship supports those goals. You should fully understand the stipulations that may come along with receiving a scholarship 

Questions to ask include: 

Will you be required to maintain a certain grade or course load? 

Will part of the scholarship acceptance be to contribute to the company or organisation on return from your studies? 

“Consider how closely these stipulations align with your education and career goals and determine which opportunities are best fits,” Ms Reid said. 

There are many responsibilities to manage as students navigate pursuing higher education. Being organised and focused with a clear plan creates a better time management framework and means you’re not wasting the time of scholarship selection committees. 

“Being thorough and selective early on in the scholarship search process will guard against spending time on opportunities that are not a good fit and allow you to focus on the ones that are a good fit,” Ms Reid said. 

“On the other end of the scholarship applications are people who are working to support students. Doing your best to apply with discernment and care is a courtesy to those who spend time reviewing many applications. 

“This process is great practice for the planning, attention to detail and proactiveness that higher education and beyond requires.” 

The post Research your way to success appeared first on RG Magazines.

“Operating a vehicle without the minimum insurance can lead to traffic offences and fine,” according to Melvin Howes, supervisor of personal lines, property and casualty at CG Insurance. 

But on top of the legal requirements, motor insurance gives peace of mind by providing financial protection, personal safety and third-party liability. 

With that in mind, selecting your motor insurance and understanding exactly what’s covered is the next hurdle. It’s important to consider what is the right coverage depending on your circumstances. 

“If you own an expensive vehicle, it is recommended to invest in comprehensive coverage to safeguard it against unforeseen events, like accidents, damages, theft and collisions,” said Mr Howes. 

While selecting the coverage necessary for your needs you may come across terms that can often be confusing. Terms like “insurable value” most often refers to the estimated value of the vehicle, this pertains to the worth of a new or used vehicle. Generally, the value of a vehicle typically depreciates over time due to its age. 

A “deductible” on the other hand is the initial amount the policyholder must pay before their insurance policy covers damages to their vehicle. For example, Mr Howes explained, if your car policy has a $500 deductible and you have an accident that causes $3,000 in repairs to your vehicle, you would be responsible to pay the first $500 deductible, and then your insurance would cover the remaining $2,500. 

If you are involved in an accident, it’s essential to understand how to navigate the claims process. 

Mr Howes recommends the following to efficiently navigate the process: 

1. Prioritise safety by ensuring everyone’s wellbeing, adhering to standard procedures and by contacting authorities immediately after the accident. 
2. Exchange information with the involved parties. 
3. If possible, capture photos of the accident scene including any damage. 
4. Without delay, contact your insurance provider’s claims department to initiate the claims process, providing all necessary details and documentation. 
5. Your assigned claims officer will confirm your extent of cover and the next steps within the claims process. 

To gain a comprehensive understanding of what will be covered, you should refer to your policy documentation. 

Review the terms and conditions outlining the extent of coverage based on the policy you purchased. It’s also important to note that there is generally a requirement to notify your insurer of a pending claim within a specific timeframe, which is typically within 14 days of the accident. 

Most insurers will also promote safe and responsible driving which can then result in discounts for their policyholders, so it really does pay to be a good driver!

The post Motor insurance for beginners appeared first on RG Magazines.

But even with such a stunning environment at ourfinger tips, there’s always an opportunity to bring in elements to our alfresco events to give our guests an elevated and unique experience.

Whether set up under the stars with a salty breeze on the beach or a more intimate affair closer to home, any outdoor space can be made special with the right ingredients that let your guests indulge and relax for a memorable social occasion.

After placing second in the BEDC’s Pitch Pink category in 2019, David Thomas launched Bermuda Bonfires, seeing a chance to take the outdoor event staple of bonfires and fire pits and provide a new approach that gives people a fun addition to their event that also aims to be both effortless and stress-free for the organisers. Bermuda Bonfires caters bespoke events including smaller intimate alfresco dinners to larger gatherings providing all that’s needed including permits, set up and clean up.

Along with the bonfires, the small team can also organise a DIY grill, s’mores, live entertainment and games, such as cornhole and connect four to create a truly unique experience.

Along with adding a bonfire to your next outdoor event, Mr Thomas also suggests the following to take your alfresco event to the next level.

• Choose the perfect location – this can make or break the event. For smaller, more intimate parties you’d definitely want to be at a location that lends itself to the group size versus being in a wide open space.
• Create seating zones/Set a perimeter – this allows your guests to generally know the boundaries of your established space, and defines your area so as to avoid receiving potential unwanted guests.
• Create the appropriate atmosphere with décor and lighting – it’s the little things that make the biggest difference
• Engage appropriate entertainment options – from the perfectly curated playlist to fire dancing to a live band, hitting the right notes with your chosen entertainment can set the mood for evening.
• Be at peace with whatever the weather decides – being flexible and adaptable is key. Try as we might, we can’t control the weather and need to be able to pivot to ‘Plan B’ when necessary.

There’s nothing quite like an event in the outdoors but taking the time to add just a few unique elements to create memorable moments for your guests.

The post Elevate your Summer Alfresco Events appeared first on RG Magazines.

It’s good to remember that there are very few things that can’t be purchased in your destination. If you remember your wallet, passport and phone (and any prescription medication) it’s likely that you’ll find a new toothbrush or even a Kindle if you forget something a little more non-essential.

That being said, if you don’t want to spend extra money due to forgetfulness or your travelling somewhere a bit more far flung, take the time to prepare a master packing list. Include everything you want or need for your travels down to the most inane things – figure out how many pairs of underpants you’ll need for the time you’re away from laundry facilities or how many lip balms you want in each bag. The more precise you are before you pack the less likely you’ll be to forget something. Everything gets checked off as bags get packed.

There are loads of great products that make packing much smoother including packing cubes. Consider also filling travel-sized containers with your favourite products to maximise space. And as someone who constantly appreciates being hydrated while traveling but hates paying for water, pack a reusable water bottle and fill it up after going through security at the airport. Most airports have water fountains or refillable water stations and you can even pick up a collapsible version that takes up less space.

Other essentials, especially for longer travel, include reading material, portable game consoles, snacks, a pair of compression socks, neck pillow and eye mask, and headphones with a jack that can be used with in-flight entertainment as well as a pair of noise cancelling headphones.

If your travel extends further than one of the destination cities currently servicing Bermuda make sure to give yourself plenty of time to ensure that any visas or travel requirements can be met in enough time. If possible for the type of passport your hold, apply for an ESTA for the United States to avoid any confusion around entry requirements to the US for Bermudians from other countries.

While Covid requirements have lessened, it’s important to take note of any vaccinations you may need for each country you visit, and, again give yourself enough time to get vaccinated as some need to be administered over a certain time period before you can enter the country. The IATA Travel Centre website  www.iatatravelcentre.com is a great place to start to confirm passport, visa and health regulations for many countries.

Lastly, if extra assistance with your travel is important, having a knowledgeable travel agent in your corner can be helpful to guide through everything from entry requirements to the best activities to book in your destination.

But most importantly – go take in the sights and have fun while respecting cultural customs and learning about cultures from around the world.

The post Tips for Smooth Summer Travel appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while most larger contractors have a policy in place for construction jobs, smaller contractors doing one-off jobs throughout the year might not – so it’s an important question to ask before work commences. 

“The big problem that I think people need to be aware of is if you are building on to your house, say building another roof line or an addition to the square footage, if something were to happen to part of the house being built then it’s not going to be covered under your regular insurance policy,” said 

Andrew Hanwell, BF&M’s head of commercial lines. 

“If you’re only doing internal renovations, taking down some dry walls or changing fittings, then it might not be necessary, but it’s a good idea to contact your insurance provider to let them know the scope of your project to be sure.” 

Potential risks during a project include any negligence on the part of the contractor and the risk that the new build is damaged by something like a fire, hurricane or malicious damage. Mr Hanwell said a home insurance policy will not kick in until the building is complete. 

This is also a good time to adjust your sum insured, once your project is completed, so you aren’t underinsured after renovations. 

The contractors all-risk policy also covers liability for any legal issues that might arise. 

“A contractors all-risk policy is protecting both the contractor and the owner of the property,” said Mr Hanwell. 

“If the contractor was to do something and make a mistake and knock down a wall, for example, the policy covers this sort of liability. 

“The policy has an element of public liability, so if they damage a part of the house that they’re not working on or if they do something negligent and the house burns down then the liability can protect them, and therefore the owner as well. 

“Also, for neighbouring properties, if you’re renovating your condo, for example, and the contractor damages a wall that goes through to a neighbouring unit that can be covered as well.” 

The liability can also protect against any issues during the renovations where you might have to take the contractor to court, as well as if someone were to get hurt on the building site. 

“The coverage is even broader than standard home insurance, which only covers specific named perils. For new build projects, the only way to have any insurance coverage during the building process is with a contractor’s all-risk policy. 

“Say you are three-quarters of the way through building and it’s hurricane season and a big storm comes through and blows off your roof that’s just been put on, the key is that the only way to insure that structure is to get a contractor’s all-risk policy to get coverage while it’s being built,” Mr Hanwell said. 

The all-risk policy can also cover contractor’s basic tools, equipment, materials, heavy machinery (that doesn’t fall under motor insurance) and any temporary buildings erected during the project. A 12-month warranty is also built into the policy for any issues that may arise after a project is completed and a contractor has to return to make repairs. 

“The biggest benefit to coverage during construction is your home is the biggest investment you’ll have and this protects that asset if anything was to go wrong,” said Mr Hanwell. 

“But also on the liability side, if someone gets badly injured and you’re held responsible, you can be protected. It’s peace of mind that protects your asset but also protects people who might seek to sue you due to injury or damage to property arising out of the construction works.” 

The post Insurance – make sure you’re covered before you start building appeared first on RG Magazines.

For many students, the dream of continuing their postgraduate studies can feel out of reach. For those with ambition, talent and a desire to give back to the community, BF&M has created a postgraduate scholarship that will help to alleviate potential financial barriers with a $20,000 postgraduate scholarship awarded to a deserving recipient.

When former group chairman and chief executive of BF&M, John Wight, retired in 2022, the company decided it would be a fitting tribute to create a scholarship in his honour, with a focus on providing financial aid for a student with a commitment to giving back to the community no matter their field of study.

At the time the scholarship was announced, Mr Wight expressed his appreciation for a retirement gift that would have an enduring impact on the community. While the selection of the recipient is handled by an internal scholarship committee, Mr Wight was very pleased with the 2023 awardee, Etteleon Burchall, and readily offered guidance in support of her future aspirations.

Ms Burchall is now working towards a masters of science degree in public health policy at the University of London, which the scholarship will help her continue to pursue. As a member of the Pandemic Response Unit in 2021, Ms Burchall recognised there was a gap as well as a number of challenges that were exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. When receiving the award last year, Ms Burchall told The Royal Gazette that her goal was to “propose and advocate for polices that reduce healthcare disparities and ensure that health remains a fundamental human right.”

What was clear to the scholarship committee when considering the candidates was their community focus and desire to give back to Bermuda. Out of the 61 candidates, Ms Burchall stood out for her “resilience, determination and commitment to making a difference in the community, as well as being an overall wonderful human”. That made a big impression on the committee.

“What is really important to us, and aligns with what BF&M is today, was someone who has the desire to give back through their studies,” said scholarship committee member Stephanie Hanson, EVP and group chief operating officer at BF&M. “The difference with this postgraduate scholarship is that for us, it’s a stepping stone for those with ambition and talent but perhaps without the financial means for postgraduate study. Alleviating those financial barriers, we are empowering a deserving student who shows that promise in their academic and professional pursuits,” she added.

While academic excellence is an important factor in the ideal recipient, Ms Hanson said that it’s more about a level of academic commitment the committee is looking for.

“We also weigh heavily: leadership potential, the drive and desire to give back to the community, evidence of community involvement, and a clear vision of how their studies will contribute to their career goals, and how the scholarship will make a difference in their ability to pursue that higher education,” Ms Hanson explained.

There is a financial needs component to the award and they believe in the importance of levelling the playing field by giving a student the opportunity to achieve their goals without also dealing with the stress and burden of financial worries.

“One thing that came out loud and clear during the first year of selecting a recipient were the sacrifices that so many students are making to achieve their goals,” said Ms Hanson. “We see there’s a broader societal benefit by supporting those students and we see it as investing in future leaders and innovators who will drive positive change in the community.”

She noted that it’s important for candidates to hone in on exactly what is driving them to further pursue their field of study. “It’s great to want to do something because you like to do it but there needs to be more focus on the why. What we’re looking for is for someone that for them, this is important to them, for example, to improve the health of the Bermuda population or whatever the goal might be. But there is a clear drive to use their studies for the betterment of themselves and others,” Ms Hanson said.

Applicants will also need to provide academic transcripts, a resume, a personal statement with their academic objectives and the significance the scholarship would make on their educational journey, as well as proof of financial need and letters of recommendation.

There is no specific criteria for field of postgraduate study, but applicants must be Bermudian, PRC or eligible to acquire PRC.

More information about the scholarship can be found on www.bermudascholarships.com. The 2024 application opens on March 1 with a deadline of April 30.

The post BF&M Creates New Scholarship appeared first on RG Magazines.

Since 2018, over 40 grants and some $100,000 has been provided to Bermuda’s athletes and teams in a range of sports including football, tennis, and Ms Duffy’s own sport in which she won an Olympic gold, triathlon. Support from the grant can range from equipment costs, travel expenses, training fees, event registration fees and coaching, among other financial needs.

Ms Duffy sees a lot of sporting talent on the island, and while interest in the fund has continued to grow, and has sustained itself over the past five years, Ms Duffy hopes to help continue to build the fund so that it carries on helping as many Bermuda athletes as possible to achieve their goals in the years to come.

“There is a lot of young sporting talent in Bermuda and my goal with the Flora Fund is to provide financial support to broaden that development pathway,” she said. “There have been many great performances by Bermudian athletes over the years, and I hope the young athletes take note that being a world champion, an Olympic medalist or playing overseas on a professional club is possible. If the Flora Fund plays a small role in making that happen then the fund will have been a success.”

For those thinking of applying for the fund, Ms Duffy said to take the leap and apply: “I have always believed that sport has the ability to change lives and open doors to new opportunities,” said Ms Duffy. “Whether that be simply as building friendships, to competing overseas, to earning university scholarships.”

The applicants must show financial need and dedication to their sport, said Ms Duffy and while the selection process, which is managed by the Bermuda Community Foundation, is not based on talent or the potential to be a top athlete, those things have certainly aligned in the past for recipients.

“We’ll consider each case on its merits, given there is truly a financial need that would limit participating in a specific event or season’s sport,” she said. “The fund has helped numerous athletes over the last five years across a wide range of sports – from tennis, gymnastics, football, track and triathlon to name few,” Ms Duffy added. “My hope is that it has given athletes the opportunity that would otherwise have not been possible due to financial constraints.”

The Flora Fund is administered by the Bermuda Community Foundation and is available for individual athletes and sports organisations. The number of awards and amounts varies per year. Requirements include Bermudian or PRC status and a completed Flora Fund application form. For more information, visit theflorafund.com.

The post Five Years on for Flora Fund appeared first on RG Magazines.

The Parish Councils for Devonshire, Paget, Pembroke, Hamilton, St. George’s and Warwick currently have scholarships, bursaries or grants available for students who submit applications for 2024. Parish councils were created to help their surrounding community, and each council’s scholarship committee objective is to provide funding to assist students to reach their career goals.

For some, the funds are provided to help pay for tuition, while others allow for the funds to be put towards other financial needs including transportation, room and board, or required materials such as textbooks.

While each parish has its own criteria, they all require that applicants have lived in the parish for at least five years. Students should also show a demonstrated involvement in the community and show how their education will help them to give back to their parish and the community at large.

Many of the past scholarship awardees have gone on to give back to their parish community either as part of businesses and organisations in the area or by returning as a council member. Denae Burchall, chairwoman of the Devonshire Parish Council, noted that scholarship awardees that have been selected since 2011 have gone onto become educators, lawyers, social workers, accountants and architects, to name a few.

“Our scholars exhibit a profound commitment to Devonshire, valuing everything from our natural reserves to our educational institutions to our small businesses,” said Ms Burchall. “They demonstrate a deep appreciation for their neighbourhood and consistently seek opportunities to strengthen their connection to it. Each of these individuals represents a success story that fills us with pride.”

“One particularly touching narrative is that of Lateefah Caines, who was a scholarship recipient in 2015,” she said. “Lateefah not only excelled academically but also returned to the Devonshire Parish Council to serve as assistant secretary and chair of the Scholarship Committee. This full-circle journey exemplifies the genuine purpose of our scholarship programme—to empower and inspire individuals to not only succeed in their chosen fields but also to contribute meaningfully to the Devonshire community and, in turn, to the council that supported them.”

Each of the parish councils, including the Devonshire Parish Council Scholarship committee, are looking for students with a proven record of academic excellence and those with financial needs, noting the financial burden that education can carry for many.

The councils provide funding to students no matter their area of study and there are scholarships for both overseas education and for students planning to study at the Bermuda College.

The Pembroke Parish Council specifically awards their scholarships for Bermuda College students. One scholarship in the amount of $6,000 and four grants in the amount of $1,500.

All of the information for each scholarship can be found on the bermudascholarships.com website, which includes specific details for each parish as well as eligibility criteria.

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