The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, presented grants awarded from the Confiscated Assets Fund (CAF) to three community organisations supporting youth development and social services. 

He was joined by the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, along with MP Neville Tyrrell, MP Lawrence Scott, and MP Denis Lister III.

The recipients were the Pembroke Hamilton Club (PHC) Drum and Majorette Corps, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and Teen Services.

Each organisation received $12,500 as part of the Government’s continued effort to reinvest seized funds into programmes that strengthen communities and expand opportunities for Bermuda’s youth.

Premier Burt said, “Community organisations are cornerstones of our society. They are where young people find mentorship, where our culture and traditions are maintained, and where essential services reach those who need them most. Through grants from the Confiscated Assets Fund, the Government is taking the proceeds of criminal activity and redirecting them into programmes that serve and strengthen our community.Each of the organisations recognised today is doing meaningful work, and I am proud that this Government can continue to support them in that work.”

Tawana Lee, Director of PHC Drum and Majorette Corps, said, “Our goal is to sustain a tradition that has been part of our culture for many years. We are grateful to be recipients of the Confiscated Assets Fund grant and will use these funds to support our 2025 and 2026 goals and objectives.”

Also in attendance for the presentation to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority was Minister Lightbourne, who is a member of the organisation.

Ms. Shawnette Smith, president of Delta Sigma Theta, expressed her appreciation stating, “On behalf of the Bermuda Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., we would like to offer our thanks for the generous donation. This support helped make our Annual Children's Reading Festival a great success and allows us to continue promoting the importance of literacy in Bermuda while continuing our other worthy programmes.”

MP Scott speaking to the legacy of Teen Services said, “My mother founded what is now Teen Services in 1967, grounded in the belief that young people should be supported, not abandoned. That work continues to shape how we support vulnerable young people today.”

And MP Lister II, echoed the sentiments and added, “My connection to Teen Services is also personal, as my mother, Miranda Lister, taught there in the mid-1990s and helped shape its early impact. It is a privilege to now support an organisation that has served our community across generations.”