Last week (May 19), Premier David Burt and the Head of the Public Service, Dr. Derrick Binns recognized the Department of Parks’ AG Show Team as the recipients of the April Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

As the community is aware, the PSEA is a programme that recognizes Public Officers who are demonstrating admirable service delivery. Each month an individual or team is selected for their significant accomplishments in the last 60 days.

For the month of April, congratulations are extended to the following team members for their outstanding efforts in coordinating the 80^th Annual Bermuda Exhibition:

• Remi Subair – Acting Director
• Georgette Caines – AG Show Planner
• Roger Parris – Acting Superintendent, Skills Development Programme
• Kelly Sousa – Superintendent of Horticulture
• Craig Burt – Parks Officer
• Shyeann Outerbridge – Account/Payroll Administration
• Joanne Smith – Ministry Comptroller
• Botanical Gardens Staff
• Skills Development Team
• Volunteer Judges

The AG Show, one of Bermuda’s beloved community events, had, in recent years, been facilitated by private sector individuals, and was at risk of not continuing in 2023 due to a lack of funding.

Adding to the mammoth task of coordinating, this three-day event typically requires 8-9 months of planning.

However, despite the limited timeframe, the Department of Parks pulled together a team of dedicated staff and stakeholders to ensure plans progressed in only three months. The Skills Development Programme, under the direction of Acting Superintendent, Roger Parris, worked hard to transform the grounds of the Botanical Gardens just in time for the event. And Acting Director, Remi Subair, received praise for his exceptional management skills in pulling together the stellar team responsible for this impressive feat.

The end result was a fully attended event over the course of the AG Show weekend.

Premier Burt said, “I congratulate the Department of Parks’ AG Show Team for their hard work in bringing the 80^TH Annual Bermuda Exhibition back to an in-person event after a 3-year recess. The Annual Bermuda Exhibition is integral to our community’s culture, and highly anticipated by Bermudians of all ages, but especially our young people. I am so thankful that the team, on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, embraced this opportunity to reconnect our community to this important and special event that so many families enjoy. Well done and thank you for your hard work and dedication!”

Dr. Derrick Binns added, “The Public Service is proud to recognize this exceptional team for their dedication to service excellence and working together so diligently. Congratulations to you all! You are a shining example of how our public officers go above and beyond to improve the lives of the people of our community.”