SUSTAINABLE Development head Erica Smith is to join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as its executive director next month.She will replace Donte Hunt, who resigned from the role after three years.

“I just decided it was time for me to experience something else in life,” Ms Smith said yesterday.

“I’ve worked in the Civil Service for nine years, from trainee to director, and had a wonderful time. I learned a lot and was able to contribute substantially to the concept of sustainable development in Bermuda.

“The opportunity arose and I thought it was an opportunity for me to put social sustainability in practice.”

Ms Smith became Bermuda’s first ever director of Sustainable Development in 2006. Prior to that she served as the assistant director of Planning and was a member of Government’s Sustainable Development team — a path enabled by a bachelor’s degree in architecture, a graduate certificate in urban design and a master’s degree in city planning.Duke of Edinburgh chairman Kenneth Bartram announced her appointment — which coincides with the Award’s 40th anniversary in Bermuda — in the organisation’s most recent newsletter.

“It is no secret that Bermuda has the distinct pleasure of being one of the oldest Award programmes outside the UK and as such has afforded opportunity to many young Bermudians through schools, youth organisations and correctional facilities to participate in the Award programme,” he stated.

“The success of the Award in Bermuda prompted the appointment of our first executive director, Donte Hunt, in 2004. We are sorry Donte has recently stepped down, but we are encouraged and excited and would like to welcome our new executive director, Erica Smith, who will take up her post in August 2007.

“These appointments were a giant step forward which would allow the Award to further flourish in Bermuda. We are, of course, hugely indebted to the many sponsors of our programme.

“We see this anniversary year as a tremendous opportunity for the development of our programme and as an important milestone as we look ahead to the many ways in which we can expand our outreach potential.” Ms Smith assumes her new post on August 13.

“I did not participate (in the Awards programme) as a young person, but I was struck with its objectives and goals, especially in the immediate future,” she said.

“It’s in the senior schools and the co-ed facility but it needs to thrive a bit more and I’m looking forward to personally being able to move it to the next level.

“What’s more sustainable than ensuring that future generations have a holistic perspective and approach to their own futures? It speaks to a complement of mind, body and spirit — that they can achieve anything they want to.

“Yes, it’s a challenge for me, something different. But I think you need to challenge yourself and step out of your comfort zone.

“I have not stepped away from the cause of sustainable development. I think it’s very important for Bermuda and am confident it will continue in one way, shape or form.”

That the community was now talking about the concept of sustainable development could only mean the programme had achieved “a level of success”, she added.

“I am happy with the dialogue that is now in the community. We’re talking about the future — not just the economy, but environmental and social issues, which always tends to be a good thing.”

Despite the fact that she has resigned from the Civil Service, Ms Smith said she hoped her expertise would be called on wherever necessary.

And she admitted she hasn’t ruled out a return to her former career at some point in the future.

“I feel I can contribute outside Government and I’ve extended an offer to utilise my knowledge for the best of Bermuda. (However) I still haven’t completely given up on planning, design and sustainable development — those are my passions. In five years, who knows?”

Erica changes jobs