Four young Bermudians have been certified as the island’s newest batch of air traffic control specialists.

Dejon Robinson, Hannah Fletcher, Nakiiah Robinson-Baker and X-onna Stevens completed a rigorous aviation programme that included a stint overseas and transition training at the LF Wade International Airport air traffic control tower.

Three of the group were presented with their certificates during a brief ceremony outside the ATC tower in St David’s.

Ms Stevens was unable to attend the event.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, congratulated the aviation specialists.

“This milestone represents not only personal achievements for each of you but also an important investment in the safety, resilience and the future of Bermuda’s aviation sector,” he told the graduates.

Mr Darrell told attendees that the cohort was selected from a pool of more than 100 applicants.

The minister added: “That alone speaks volumes to your dedication, your capabilities and your determination.”

He told the graduates that the training and certification process for air traffic controllers is “rigorous” and “uncompromising”.

He said: “Successfully completing it is a testament to your professionalism, your commitment to excellence.

“By entering this profession, you have chosen careers of service, careers that will directly support Bermuda’s connectivity to the world.

“Safeguarding our skies and ensuring the safe movement of residents, visitors as well as our comrades.”

Mr Darrell highlighted the critical nature of the job and reminded the graduates of the importance played by aviation in the island’s economic and social wellbeing.

He said he was confident that the group would serve the island with professionalism, integrity and pride.

Mr Robinson told The Royal Gazette that training was challenging but he had been determined to complete the task at hand.

He said: “It was very rigorous and a lot of hard work.

“We were away in England for four months then came back and did our on-the-job training until we finished in December.”

He said aviation was not his first choice as a career but he grew interested in the field and applied for the job.

Mark Bourne, the director of air navigation services at the Bermuda Airport Authority, said the group’s success marked an important milestone for aviation on the island.

He pointed out that achieving ATC certification required “discipline, resilience and unwavering commitment” — qualities that he said each of the graduates exemplified during their training.

Mr Bourne noted the efforts of instructors, a training supervisor and the team in Britain where the air traffic controllers received their initial training.

Lester Nelson, the chief executive officer of the BAA, said that the organisation employs about 50 professionals, air traffic controllers among them.

He commended the aviators for their “outstanding” efforts throughout their training.

Lawrence Scott, the BAA board chairman, said the aviation body was focused on the future.

He added that there is more to the authority than “planes landing and taking off” but that it is also a collective group that includes accountants, project managers, electricians, technicians and engineers.

Mr Scott encouraged Bermudians to learn more about the BAA and to join its team to provide essential aviation and related services to the island.