The Government’s Compensation and Benefits team was recognised last week for its efforts throughout a major cyberattack.

David Burt presented members of the team with November’s Public Service Excellence Awards on Friday.

According to a statement, the group quickly processed government employee salaries and pension payments while IT networks were down in September and October.

The statement added: “The team collaborated with the Accountant General, department and ministry comptrollers and payroll administrators across the service and worked tirelessly to manually process payments and reconcile weekly and monthly payrolls.

“This effort was particularly commendable as it required the team to overcome significant operational challenges in an environment impacted by lack of systems connectivity.”

Those recognised for this work were: Marilyn Cameron, Doreen Simmons, Troyeisha Weeks, Sharmila Basden, Keasha Richardson, Denika Minors, Davita Cann, Arlene Trott, Laurie Wade, Mauriaca Ollivierre, Donna Tucker and Nicole Young.

Calling the monthly recognition “incredibly well deserved”, the Premier said the team “found innovative solutions by working relentlessly, during evenings and weekends over a sustained period of time.

“We are truly appreciative of their service and commitment to excellence during what was a considerably complex and challenging time.”

Cherie Whitter, the head of the Public Service, said the team’s dedication to overcoming these challenges “is a testament to their dedication to public service excellence.

“Their resilience during unprecedented times reflects the values we seek to uphold in the public sector.

“The Government of Bermuda extends its heartfelt congratulations to the Compensation & Benefits team and all other nominees for their exceptional service to the people of Bermuda.”

The Public Service Excellence Awards recognises an individual or group of public officers who have shown “admirable service delivery” within a 60-day period.