Six students were awarded a total of $60,000 in the Government’s overseas undergraduate scholarships programme, it was announced today.

Pjhae-don Douglas, Sanjayah Ible Allwood, Jahkaida Francis-Hollis, Yasmyne Smith, Malaysia Roberts and Myeisha Sharrieff each received $10,000 to further their education in areas essential to Bermuda's long-term workforce needs, the Department of Workforce Development said.

The DWD noted that the 2025 overseas undergraduate scholarships assist students who are pursuing degree programmes in sectors such as political science, finance and business administration, allied health and human services, hospitality and tourism.

It also announced the reintroduction of the Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship which was first unveiled in 2022.

Mr Douglas is pursuing a bachelor’s in accounting and finance and Ms Smith is aiming for a bachelor’s in international hospitality and business management, both at Manchester Metropolitan University in Britain, where Ms Allwood will study for a bachelor’s in health and social care at the University of Greater Manchester.

Ms Francis-Hollis is pursuing nursing studies and Ms Sharrieff is reading for a bachelor’s in finance, both at Howard University in Washington DC.

Ms Roberts is pursuing studies in social work and psychology at Barry University in Florida.

Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, said: “These scholarships reflect the Government's commitment to building a highly skilled workforce and ensuring that Bermuda remains well-positioned to meet future challenges.

“The recipients have demonstrated academic excellence, discipline and dedication to serving their community.

“We congratulate them on their achievements and wish them every success in their studies.”

Malika Cartwright, the DWD director, highlighted that student success is key to the island’s future stability and resilience.

She said: “The Department of Workforce Development is proud to provide opportunities that support the academic and professional growth of Bermudians.

“These scholarships represent an investment in our island’s future, ensuring that our students are prepared to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce.

“Each recipient has demonstrated excellence and determination, and we look forward to the positive impact they will make.”

The DWD said that the reintroduced Dame Jennifer Smith Scholarship was awarded to Jayce Fraser.

Ms Fraser, who received $10,000, is pursuing a bachelor’s in political science at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia.

Dame Jennifer, the Progressive Labour Party’s first premier, served from the party’s General Election victory in 1998 until 2003.

She was also the first female Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly.

The DWD said that the redesigned scholarship will inspire future generations to pursue excellence in political science, public policy and administration, communications or education.

“These fields are central to Bermuda's social, political, and economic development and reflect Dame Jennifer’s legacy of leadership and service to Bermuda,” the DWD said.

In continuing scholarship support, the department said it provides $10,000 in scholarships to 21 students who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in Canada, the US, the Caribbean and Britain.