The Hustle Truck is a roaring success, according to Government Ministers. Speaking in the Senate yesterday, Senator David Burch said it has proved so successful that seven participants have gone on to find permanent jobs and another two trucks have been commissioned.

The initiative was introduced in March and stands for Helping the Unemployed Sustain Themselves with Limited Employment.

Sen. Burch, Minister for Public Safety and Housing, told the Senate: “As the programme evolved it has grown to such an extent that numbers of workers are increasing daily. The number of unemployed Bermudians seeking work is extraordinary. The numbers have grown from eight on Day One to a high of 108, with the average number being 62.

“Able-bodied men and women are prepared to arrive at 8a.m., work a full day and return consistently throughout the week. Workers include those who have been victims of age discrimination — too old, but not old enough for pension and too young, no experience; gender discrimination, such as women wanting construction work; past history discrimination, such as criminal records; educational discrimination — no GED or illiterate; IQ challenged; and those with numerous other social problems.

“Workers have been men, women — including pregnant women, black and white.”

Sen. Burch said: “All workers are required to complete a basic pro forma stating their work history, skills and desired occupation. Information is passed on to the relevant agencies to assist workers in becoming more productive members of society. The programme has been so successful that Works and Engineering has provided an additional two trucks for transport of the Hustle crews.

“However, these additions are still proving to be insufficient, as the numbers continue to grow with unemployed persons seeking to sustain themselves with legal and lawful work.”

Sen. Burch said the scheme was being managed by the Bermuda Housing Corporation but the work had expanded from renovating BHC properties to tasks at other community, senior and charitable groups.

“This service is provided as a community service at no charge. Additionally, several private citizens have requested assistance and these services are billed to defray the cost of the programme.”

He added: “To date, seven workers have graduated to permanent employment and it is my belief that more will follow. One worker said ‘I was sick of my former life of crime and the Hustle Truck gives me something to do that is more positive’.

“We anticipate that this programme will continue to grow and offer a variety of opportunities for those who had originally opted out.

“More than anything else, this is what being a Government Minister is all about — helping people to help themselves, effecting real change that touches people’s lives, providing hope where there was hopelessness and providing gainful employment where there was none.

“In this particular case it is about helping those who most need it — those who have opted out of society for a variety of social reasons.”