BERMUDIAN college students received almost $2 million in government aid this week to help them continue their studies - and hopefully, return to Bermuda to work for government.

This week, the education ministry said this summer they had distributed more than $1.7 million in funds to 187 Bermudian students studying at universities and colleges.

The money was offered in the form of scholarships, teacher training awards, further education awards, interest free student loans and the UK fee differential. The Bermuda Government Scholarship is worth $25,000 per annum, the teacher training awards are worth $10,000 each and the further education awards, UK Fee differential and interest-free student loans range between $1,000 and $7,500.

"Last week, the fourth annual Government Career Fair was held," Mrs. Cox told students at a special awards reception at CedarBridge Academy held on August 15. "It highlighted the many careers available in government. We want you to come back and consider working for the government. The government will continue to keep in touch with you while you are abroad and try to woo you back to us."

Mrs. Cox told students this was their "hour of power".

"Though you are receiving some of your taxpayer dollars today in the form of scholarship funding, know that this is not the end of our relationship, but the beginning," she said. "When you are doing research papers, think of research that can benefit your country and the government on issues such as agriculture, farming and immigration."