A visit to the US provided insight that will help shape efforts to make the island’s energy system more affordable and resilient, the home affairs minister said.

Alexa Lightbourne took part in the International Visitor Leadership Programme alongside 12 other participants from across the world.

She was nominated by Antoinette Hurtado, the US Consul General, for the scheme, which was organised by the US Department of State.

A government spokeswoman said: “The programme, ‘US Energy Policy: Security, Independence and Innovation’, is a sector intensive across Washington DC, Tulsa, Oklahoma, New Orleans, Louisiana and Phoenix, Arizona.

“It is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs within the US Department of State and administered by the American Councils for International Education.”

The spokeswoman added that since the programme was established in 1940, more than 500 heads of government, 1,000 members of parliament and 12 Nobel laureates have taken part.

Ms Lightbourne’s involvement was connected to the Government’s efforts to reform the island’s energy sector.

She said: “This programme has provided direct engagement with the federal agencies, state regulators and infrastructure operators that shape US energy policy.

“The relationships and insight gained will inform the work we are advancing to deliver a more affordable, resilient and accountable energy system for Bermuda.”

Through the programme, Ms Lightbourne engaged with organisations including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, the US Department of State.

Ms Hurtado said the IVLP is the Department of State’s flagship programme for engaging with leaders from around the world through professional exchange.

She added: “It is an opportunity to come together to examine some of the toughest challenges of the day and use the expertise and dialogue to make meaningful advancements.

“It was my pleasure to nominate Ms Lightbourne for the 2026 programme in recognition of her leadership within the Ministry of Home Affairs and her work alongside key partners in developing Bermuda’s energy policy for the next generation.

“I am confident that the discussions undertaken through this programme will contribute meaningfully to Bermuda’s continued efforts to strengthen its energy framework and build a path forward.”