Locals planning to train as nurses will receive a boost with new scholarship money being raised by the Bermuda Health Foundation (BHF).

The foundation's first annual banquet, to be held this Saturday at the Fairmont Southampton, will pay tribute to long-time politician Reginald Burrows (pictured) but is also a fundraiser for those entering the nursing profession.

Mr. Burrows had been selected as the recipient of the foundation's Salute to Service Award, BHF executives Tim Gurney, Ewart Brown and Philip Butterfield explained at a press conference yesterday. The three encouraged Bermuda residents to attend the banquet.

"I have only been doing the work of the country for half the time that Reginald Burrows has been in it, and I consider Reggie an invaluable source of guidance," said Dr. Brown.

"The life of public service takes tremendous dedication, but Reggie came up during a time when you had to get into the political and social fray of things to make a change."

The BHF was attempting to help increase the number of locals in the nursing profession, Mr. Butterfield explained.

"It's important to recognise that we must nurture and support our talent here in Bermuda, no matter what the profession," he said. "We are dedicated to those in the career of healthcare and there is currently a shortage of nurses not just in Bermuda, but worldwide."