Premier Ewart Brown and Works Minister Derrick Burgess were among the speakers at a team-building exercise involving 120 staff from the Department of Lands, Buildings and Survey Division.

The session at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute also included talks from Civil Service head Kenneth Dill and Works Permanent Secretary Robert Horton. The Buildings team — comprising masons, carpenters, plumbers, painters, electricians, air-conditioning specialists and general labourers — has a responsibility maintaining about 700 Government buildings, including schools, Government offices, police stations, fire stations and health clinics.

Dr. Brown said: "We pride ourselves that the country was built on the blood, sweat and tears of our ancestors. But who will maintain what they built? Who will continue on with it?

"We must not let those coming from outside see the great opportunities in Bermuda — we should see the opportunities ourselves."

Mr. Burgess recalled his association with many employees of the Prospect Depot during his tenure as president of Bermuda Industrial Union.

He said: "I was extremely proud upon being appointed Minister of Works and Engineering, as this position allows me to continue my very special association with these fine men and women. They are a first-class team."

Mr. Dill said: "When you work for the Government, you are really working for your country. It takes a particular calibre of individual to decide to work for their country."

Mr. Horton said: "It was an immense pleasure interacting with the men and women of the Buildings section. They are among the Island's unsung heroes, working hard to ensure that Government buildings are maintained to an acceptable level. We are proud of them all and look forward to further team-building exercises of this nature."