A school principal who interacts “with students at every opportunity” has been awarded the inaugural award as Bermuda’s best public service employee.

Todd Fox, the principal of Francis Patton Primary School, won the inaugural prize ahead of four other shortlisted civil servants.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “Mr Fox has demonstrated his dedication to raising future leaders of Bermuda with a conscientious outlook on society and all its members.

“He is a charismatic and optimistic school leader. He is often seen in classrooms, assisting teachers on a daily basis, as well as inside and outside the building during recess, lunch breaks and mornings upon arrival, interacting with students at every opportunity to ensure they are happy and safe.”

The Public Service Excellence Award, given monthly, celebrates government workers who are outstanding in their fields and each of the monthly winners were eligible for the top prize.

Four other civil servants were nominated alongside Mr Fox – Stacy Evans from the Ministry of Transport; Ashjuana Thomas from the Department of Employee and Organisational Development; Sheridan Ming from the Department of Lands; and Roger Parris from the Department of Parks.

For helping run the skills development programme, which teaches young adults landscaping and horticulture techniques, Mr Parris earned the supporting people award.

The Premier said: “Mr Parris is fully dedicated to his role as a public officer which serves as a platform for him to be a mentor to Bermuda’s youth and impact young lives in a positive manner.”

The Rising Star Award – given to someone aged 35 or younger who has potential to excel in public service – was presented to the programme manager for the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Carlita Lodge, who was at the helm of this year’s Heritage Day parade.

Patricia Chapman, training manager at the Department of Workforce Development, won the Excellence in Project Delivery Award.

“Dr Chapman led her team to quickly design and deliver a number of programmes for the benefit of the public,” Mr Burt said.

“Notably, she led out on the delivery of the Government’s unemployment benefit programme, which required significant cross-ministry engagement and resource planning.”

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