Cheques were presented to ten community clubs by the Government totalling $223,000 to assist with essential upgrades to their facilities, purchase new equipment and support youth programmes.

David Burt, the Premier, made the presentation at the Cabinet Office on Friday, with seven of the clubs receiving $161,000 in capital development grants to assist with facility upgrades.

Another $62,000 from the Confiscated Assets Fund was awarded to five clubs to support their youth programmes.

The initiative is in keeping with the Government's commitment to supporting the community efforts of local organisations and supporting projects which get Bermudians back to work.

Joining the Premier for the cheque presentations were Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Social Development and Seniors; Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport; Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House and MPs Jache Adams, Ianthia Simmons-Wade, Zane Desilva and Michael Weeks.

Cheques were presented to the following community organisations:

• Warwick Workmen's Club was awarded $37,500. The club was awarded a grant of $25,000 to assist with upgrades to their restroom facilities.

They were also awarded $12,500 from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support their youth programme.

• X-Roads Football Club was awarded $23,500. The club was awarded a grant of $11,000 to help with the installation of a new perimeter fence at their field.

They were also awarded $12,500 from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support their youth programme.

• Southampton Rangers was awarded $25,000 to assist with renovations, new fencing, seating and maintenance.

This is in addition to $10,000 they were awarded as a Capital Development Grant in September 2020 for the purchasing of new windows, and these new additional funds will assist with installation.

• Bailey's Bay Cricket Club and the Bermuda Cricket Board were jointly awarded $25,000 to assist with upgrades to the Bailey’s Bay facilities in order to meet the international requirements to host matches and training for the Bermuda national cricket team.

• The Scout Association was awarded $25,000 to assist with major renovations to their building.

• Leopard’s Club was awarded $25,000 to assist with upgrades to their flooring.

• Willow Cuts was awarded $25,000 to assist with upgrades to the facilities at their Royal Naval Field.

• Life Through Sport was awarded $12,000 from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support their youth programme to assist student-athletes with preparations for further education.

• Somerset Cricket Club was awarded $12,500 from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support their youth programme. Somerset Cricket Club was previously awarded a Capital Development Grant of $42,000 to assist with upgrades to upper-level flooring in their clubhouse.

• St George's Cricket Club was awarded $12,500 from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support their youth programme.

St George's CC was previously awarded a Capital Development Grant of $50,000 from the Government in December 2020.

Burt said: “In the 2021/22 budget, funding for capital development was set aside for community clubs to assist in the upgrade of their facilities as it was in the previous budget year.

“Funds were also made available again from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support youth programmes.

The Government encouraged clubs to apply and set out what they needed to continue doing essential work in their communities.

“Today, on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, it is my pleasure to sow into these ten local community and sports clubs from across our island so they can continue their work and expand their service to our communities beyond the pandemic.”

The Premier added: "The Government believes it is essential to extend our support to these deserving organisations, who play an invaluable role in our country and are cornerstones of community and culture.

“The impact of the pandemic forced many clubs to suspend their community outreach programmes, while limited funds hindered much needed improvements to their facilities.

“However, as we move beyond the pandemic, the financial resources awarded today will support youth programmes, assist clubs in upgrading their facilities, and purchasing new equipment while also getting more Bermudians back to work.”

Capital development grants and grants from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support youth programs were awarded following a Chat and Chew event held last July. Community clubs were invited to discuss and identify areas of need.

The Premier held the first cheque presentation last September 2020 and awarded funds for eight local community organisations.

The second presentation was held in December when six community clubs were presented with cheques.

The third presentation was held in March of this year when an additional nine local clubs were given cheques, including three of Bermuda’s historic sailboat clubs, East End Mini Yacht Club, Mid-Atlantic Boat and West End Sailboat Club who were involved in their 77th Edward Cross Long Distance Race yesterday.

A total of $875,922 for capital development assistance has been awarded to date, with $118,200 made available from the Confiscated Asset Fund to support youth programmes.