A record-breaking number of young people achieving the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award were celebrated at a special ceremony at Government House.

No fewer than 27 awardees achieved Gold — the highest level of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme — which is unprecedented in Bermuda.

It is widely regarded as the world's leading youth achievement programme. Gathered under the patronage of Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, they were recognised as one of the largest cohorts in the organisation's history.

Awardees were joined by families, award leaders, volunteers and supporters to mark experiences that have taken them to Nova Scotia, Barbados, Tobago and the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Of the 27 Gold awardees, 25 are Tri-Holders, meaning they have earned Bronze, Silver and Gold. One is a Dual Holder, having earned Silver and Gold, and one is a Direct Entrant to the Gold level.

The organisation said the achievements were a testament to “years of sustained commitment across physical activity, skill development, voluntary service, adventurous journeys and a residential project”.

Mr Murdoch said: “The path to the Gold Award is neither short nor easy. Each of the young men and women we recognised has made a sustained and voluntary commitment to developing a skill, serving their community and pursuing physical recreation, all while navigating the demands of everyday life.

“That kind of perseverance is something to be recognised and celebrated.

“What we should also be proud of about the award in Bermuda is that it is offered entirely free of charge to every participant.

“This is only made possible by the generosity of donors and partners who believe, as I do, in the potential of young people to make a difference. The evidence of its impact is in the remarkable young adults standing before us tonight.”

To earn the Gold Award, each participant must complete a qualifying adventurous journey of at least five days and four nights in an unfamiliar environment.

This cohort undertook expeditions across four distinct international settings. Eleven participants navigated the wilderness of Kejimkujik and Tobeatic Nature Reserves in Nova Scotia through WhyNot Adventure, canoeing and portaging through remote back country.

Fourteen completed a multi-mode of travel expedition across Barbados, hiking, cycling, snorkelling and horse-riding while attending Emancipation Day and the Grand Kadooment parades.

One participant sailed from Bermuda to the Turks & Caicos Islands on the Spirit of Bermuda under the theme “In the Wake of Mary Prince”.

One trekked through the Main Ridge Forest Reserve in Tobago, engaging with the island's Rotaract Club and local communities.

In 2025 alone, the participants in Bermuda collectively logged more than 74,150 hours of voluntary service, physical recreation and skill-development activities.

Karen Simmons, programme director for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Bermuda, said: “These young people have canoed along wilderness rivers, sailed tall ships, hiked coastlines in the Caribbean heat and immersed themselves in cultures far from home.

“They have logged thousands of hours in service, skill and sport, not because they had to, but because they chose to. That commitment to self-improvement and giving back is what the award is built on.

“Bermuda should be very proud.”

Ryan Eve, council chairman for the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Bermuda, added: “This prestigious achievement is a testament to their dedication, perseverance and hard work.

“None of this would be possible without the generosity of our donors and partners who make it possible for every young person in Bermuda to participate free of charge.

“We are particularly grateful to the Centennial Foundation and the Destination Ready Award, whose bursaries for the Gold Adventurous Journey ensure that no young person is held back by financial need.”