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Mom cries tears of joy for son honoured with student award

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Department of Parks Skills Development Programme at the Horticulture Hall at the Botanical Gardens. Pictured- Tristan Scott (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

A proud mother has spoken movingly of how she shed tears of joy for the past week knowing that her son was set to be honoured at a students award ceremony yesterday.

Ambika Scott became emotional as she addressed the Department of Parks’ Skills Development Programme gathering which saw her son Tristan Scott, 21, receive two trophies.

Mr Scott, who has been given a full time job at the Department of Parks after taking part in the arboriculture and horticulture initiative, received the SDP Outstanding Achievement award, as well as the Bermuda Garden Club Outstanding Achievement award.

Ambika Scott embraces her son Tristan after he won Skills Development Programme awards for outstanding achievements (Photograph by Shaun Connolly)

Speaking after a gathering held at the Botanical Gardens, Ms Scott told The Royal Gazette: “When I got the call last week, I was very surprised and I have actually cried every time I have mentioned this to my loved ones since.

“I couldn’t be happier. I think I have raised a great young man. The programme is indescribable — it has done so much for him as a young man.

“The other students and people involved with the programme have become like a family to me.

“I have never seen him so enthusiastic. I just think it’s a great fit for him and I just hope he continues on the path that he is on.”

Department of Parks Skills Development Programme at the Horticulture Hall at the Botanical Gardens. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

Mr Scott, from Pembroke, said: “I feel excited about this. I feel good about my mom being proud of me. She has always been proud of me and told me more and more recently.”

The other SDP participants honoured at the ceremony

1. Teven Grahame – Dedication and Commitment Award

2. Vahzai Robinson - Social Development Award

3. Iyahadae Wright - Malcolm K Outerbridge - Outstanding Community Service Award

4. Tristan Scott - Skills Development Progamme - Outstanding Achievement Award

5. Tristan Scott - Bermuda Garden Club - Outstanding Achievement Award

6. Tristan Scott – Awarded motorcycle and funds toward licencing

7. Kadre Jacobs - Skills Development Progamme - Outstanding Achievement Award

8. Arboretum Staff - Leric Lightbourne – Outstanding Support In Development Award

People who secured full-time employment with the Department of Parks:

1. Shannon Mello

2. Malachi Smith

3. Jamal Hewey

4. Kyjah Simons

5. Tristan Scott

Some 150 students have taken part in the SDP since its launch in 2015, and Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, praised the scope of the programme as he helped to hand out awards.

He told the meeting: “The individuals have worked tirelessly … to improve and increase their prospects of employment.

“And I would like to congratulate those participants. From this group, five will be joining the Department of Parks as full-time employees.”

Colonel Burch expressed hope that the other SDP participants would find employment in the horticulture sector.

Department of Parks Skills Development Programme at the Horticulture Hall at the Botanical Gardens. Pictured - the Minister of Public Works, David Burch, with Tristan Scott (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

He added: “As this programme continues to expand, in the new year we will be increasing the maximum number of participants from 15 to 20.

“The Government will continue to work with our partners to support the Skills Development Programme.”

Department of Parks Skills Development Programme at the Horticulture Hall at the Botanical Gardens. Pictured- Ambika Scott, mother of Tristan Scott. (Photograph by Akil Simmons)

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Published December 20, 2022 at 7:40 am (Updated December 20, 2022 at 8:35 am)

Mom cries tears of joy for son honoured with student award

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