More than 300 people have taken part in Government's Hustle Truck initiative — with 60 going on to get full-time jobs.

The success was outlined as Premier Ewart Brown and Home Affairs Minister Sen. David Burch celebrated the first year of the scheme.

Speaking at the ceremony at the Pembroke Rest Home Garden Rotunda, Dr. Brown congratulated all of the workers and Sen. Burch for making the idea a reality.

He added: "Let me say that this truck initiative serves as an example for us. In politics, we talk a lot. Sometimes we talk more than we act. This is an example of stopping talk and starting action."

Dr. Brown explained he went to Sen. Burch for the project because: "If you want something done, ask someone who's busy.

"The reason this is important is because it gives people the opportunity to make an honest day's living. More than 60 people have moved on to full time employment. If the opportunity is there to move up, please prepare yourself for that step," he told workers.

The Hustle Truck has 60 regular workers divided among three teams of 20 on any given day.

During Monday's ceremony, Sen. Burch also congratulated the workers but told them they should use the Hustle Truck as a stepping stone.

"You must come to the wicket and be responsible because you are adults. It's up to you to look at what opportunities you are interested in. I do commend you and thank you."

He continued: "The naysayers now are silenced. The Hustle Truck is a success. We're on a roll and I expect not to see any of you next year."

Speaking after the ceremony, Sen. Burch said there have been countless projects worked on over the past 12 months with most of them being Government or Corporation jobs. He said they also do private work for a fee.

Along with the Hustle truck, there is now a cleaning service and the programme will soon expand to landscaping and masonry.

The Hustle Truck was designed to put people to work for the Government doing odd jobs like landscaping, general cleaning and painting. The initial work took place at Bermuda Housing Corporation properties that were under renovation.

The trucks are dedicated vehicles which will carry workers and equipment to various jobs around the Island. HUSTLE is an acronym for Helping the Unemployed Sustain Themselves with Limited Employment. It picks up workers at a predetermined location and drops them there at the end of the day.

The vehicle is run by two supervisors who are also responsible for hiring workers even if they have troubled pasts.