An update on work to fill vacant engineer posts in the Ministry of Public Works was provided by its minister today.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch highlighted 20 employees, including four summer students.

Colonel Burch said that the employees were an “outstanding array of young professionals — the majority of whom are Bermudian”.

He told MPs: “Many of them have joined us in the gallery today — so that they will know — we are all very proud of their accomplishments thus far and to serve as encouragement to them that we will assist them in reaching their full potential.”

Colonel Burch said that many people had helped with the progress in the ministry’s engineering department over the past three years.

He added that none were “more worthy of our thanks and appreciation” than Yves Lortie, the current engineering chief.

Colonel Burch said that in his three years with the ministry Mr Lortie “has set the example for what a guest worker and expert in his field should be all about”.

He added: “Mr Lortie has single-handedly filled nearly every cubicle in the engineering section with young Bermudian professionals in the fields of civil, structural, electrical, mechanical power and highway engineers.”

Colonel Burch described Mr Lortie “as a very humble man” who looked out for his coworkers by “willingly passing on his knowledge and expertise”.

He said that the ministry’s relationship with Mr Lortie would not end with his return to Canada in a few weeks time.

Colonel Burch added: “Such is the quality of this man that he remains committed to helping our team of engineers ever after his departure.

“That, in my view, is a true testament to the quality of this man.” `

Colonel Burch introduced many of the engineers at a press conference held in Senate Chambers.

• To read Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”