The Premier stressed the role of education in making the country stronger as he congratulated graduates of the Seventh-day Adventist Church GED programme this weekend.

Dr. Ewart Brown was joined by Phillip Gagle of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in praising nine graduates of the community outreach scheme — a partnership between Government and the church.

The graduates are: Katrina Whitecross-Boys, Latroya Caines, Corville Hylton, Jacqueline Hamilton, Rev. Nelson Rewan, Roan Bicarie, Gloria Landy, Rockel Mundy and Samantha Crockwell.

Dr. Brown, speaking at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southampton, said: "As I stand here tonight to honour these nine Bermudians I must do more than just congratulate them, I must also thank them.

"I must thank them for not missing an opportunity. I must thank them for going back to school to take care of unfinished business. I must thank them for making their country stronger.

"More than anything else our people are our strength. A country of strong minds is an unstoppable country, with unlimited potential.

"I know all the devoted volunteers inside the Seventh-day Adventist Church share my vision for improving our country through education — no matter how much it costs, no matter how much free time has to be sacrificed.

"I am so grateful to have organisations like this church at the ready to help Bermuda become better, become stronger.

"I've heard great stories about this programme that just warm my heart — stories of single mothers getting free childcare so they can study with their instructors, stories of grandmothers coming back to school to finish up what was started four decades ago, stories of graduates finishing the programme and then volunteering in the next term to teach others. If those stories aren't the track record of a blessing from God, I don't know what is.

"So to Margaret Goulbourne and the volunteers of this Seventh-day education programme, thank you for your commitment to this effort. The Government is honoured to partner with you as you spread education throughout our country as effectively as you spread the word of God.

"I know tonight is a special night for all of the people in this room — the volunteers, the students and their families. That much is clear.

"But you should know that tonight is also special for the people outside of this room. When you get your GED this evening you have not only improved yourself, but you have improved your country."