Talks are underway to expand the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme on the Island, according to National Security Minister Michael Dunkley.

Mr Dunkley has revealed that Government is working on a pilot programme for award holders between the ages of 20 and 28, which will include opportunities both in the private sector and in various government departments.

And a Ministry spokeswoman said discussions are already underway with the Bermuda Police Service to integrate the Award as part of the Police Cadets programme and for the Department of Corrections to reintroduce the Award as a character and professional development programme for inmates at the Co-Ed facility at Ferry Reach.

The announcement comes after a recent visit to the Island by representatives from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards to the programme.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Regional Director for the Americas, David Clarke, DoE national director for Bermuda Traci Burgess and Regional Director for Africa Edwin Kimani were all on the Island this week to discuss Bermuda’s role in the programme.

Mr Clarke and Mr Kimani conducted an evaluation of Bermuda’s award programme, operations and governance structure.

The International Award Foundation has recently moved to a global licensing structure for every Award Authority in each of the 144 countries where the Award is currently operating to ensure constancy and quality.

Ms Burgess said: “Bermuda is the second Country in the Americas Region, and one of only a handful of countries across the globe to have undergone this validation process.

“I am pleased to advise that the Bermuda Award has received verbal confirmation from the Assessors that they are recommending our full license to be granted by the International Award.”

Mr Dunkley met with the representatives earlier this week, joined by Minister of Community, Culture and Sports Wayne Scott, Junior Minister for Education and Economic Development Leah Scott.

He said he was pleased to welcome the group to the Island, adding: “From all accounts Bermuda was very well received and we have been advised that the Assessors were so impressed with the Award’s level of professionalism in how the programme is governed and delivered in Bermuda that they have asked to share several of our best practices, policies and procedures with their colleagues offering the Award around the world.”