Five students gained practical experience while on summer internship attachments at the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The students — Bryiana Fough, Destiny-Amor Matthie, Zahra Trott, Tajer Basden and Kelechi Jones — rotated through entities including the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Land Title and Registration Office, and the Department of Energy.

They gained practical experience in policy research, digital transformation, enforcement procedures, energy policy and media communications, a government spokeswoman said.

She said a highlight of the students’ internship was their participation in the recent Cost of Living Summit on June 25.

The spokeswoman added that each student provided support in ensuring the smooth execution of the “vital event”.

She said their participation directly contributed to the ministry’s affordability agenda.

The interns’ involvement was a tangible example of public service in action, the spokeswoman noted.

Ms Lightbourne, who was once a university intern at the Government Health Insurance Department, met the students and shared her personal journey with them.

She said: “My story mirrors the journeys these young Bermudians are embarking upon.

“Their internship is personal to me, and I wanted them each to feel seen, supported and empowered during this formative period.

“I was incredibly impressed by their vision, skills and determination. And thanks to their studies in such diverse fields, they were able to bring a fresh perspective and energy to their work.”

Ms Lightbourne added: “By investing in their exposure to public service, we are shaping their careers and we’re cultivating the next generation of leaders who value service, collaboration and informed decision-making.

“I am committed to supporting their journeys as many public sector leaders once supported mine.”

• For more information about the Government’s internship programmes, visitwww.gov.bmorwww.dwd.bm