David Burt, the Premier, welcomed the latest class of the Future Leaders Summer Programme as the programme launched at the Cabinet.

Mr Burt described the programme as an “invaluable hands-on experience” for young Bermudians who wanted to make positive contributions to the island.

“Through seminars, community service, and field experience, students will explore the meaning of leadership, develop their leadership skills, and examine the social challenges facing Bermuda today, guided by mentors and community leaders,” he said.

“I commend these young women and men for their commitment to leadership, their commitment to personal development and their commitment to community service.”

Mr Burt also praised the Future Leaders team for their commitment to Bermuda’s young people.

He added: “The fact that this is now the fifth year of the summer programme is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Future Leader’s organisation.

“It is especially pleasing to see members of past cohorts such as Seon Tatem grow from participating in the youth programme to leading it as Youth Directors.

“This is evidence that the Future Leaders Programme is doing what it has set out to do, empower students to become the next generation of leaders.”

Mr Tatem, who completed the programme in 2017, said: “From grasping complex subjects such as racism and wealth inequality, to discovering new models of leadership and social enterprise, by completion, these Future Leaders will accumulate 90 hours of community service and co-curricular activity.

“However, as the summer programme draws to a close, the work of a Future Leader has only just begun. This is evidenced by the many achievements and reflections of the students that have come through the programme.”

He said that this year’s theme was centred around Pauulu Kamarakafego, a celebrated Bermudian civil rights leader, political activist and campaigner for universal adult sufferage.

Mr Tatem told the participants: “Dr Kamarakafego once said, ‘whatever knowledge I acquire does not belong to me’.

“The things that you are learning, you must share with others, you are not learning for yourselves alone.

“You have no idea how far you will go, simply by sharing your knowledge and innovative ideas with our people.”