Grants worth more than $150,000 were given out to six community clubs and organisations, it was announced today.

Among the recipients were the Pembroke Hamilton Club, Jiketsu Martial Arts, PayAKid, the Western Stars Sports Club, St David’s Cricket Club and St George’s Cricket Club.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “We certainly recognise that this has been an incredibly challenging time for our island.

“Our community and sports clubs have also struggled against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Even with the adversities that this year has presented, these organisations managed to provide important services to their community.”

Mr Burt added: “We believe it is important to extend our support where possible to these organisations and their programs – they play an invaluable part in the communities they serve, and these funds will allow them to continue that work.”

The Premier was joined by Ernest Peets, the Minister of Youth Culture and Sports, along with MPs Lovitta Foggo, Neville Tyrrell and Kim Swan at a presentation event this weekend.

St David’s Cricket Club and St George’s Cricket Club got $50,000 capital development grants.

Western Stars Sports Club got a $20,500 development grant and PHC got a grant of $6,200 for the same purpose.

Jiketsu Martial Arts and PayAKid both received $12,500 to support their youth programmes.

Mr Burt said $500,000 had been set aside in the 2020/21 budget to assist community clubs and that $1 million set aside for next year’s Budget had been brought forward as part of the Government’s bid to boost the economy.

He added that another $250,000 had been made available from the Confiscated Assets Fund to support Bermuda’s youth programmes.

Mr Burt said: “Community clubs and organisations were invited last July to apply for grants and detail what they needed to continue doing the important work in their communities.

“We received quite a few applications that identified where support was required.

“These financial resources will support youth programmes and assist clubs in upgrading their facilities while getting community members back to work.”

A total of $316,500 out of $1.5 million budgeted for capital development assistance has been awarded and $68,700 out of $250,000 made available from the Confiscated Asset Fund has been given to support youth programmes.

Community clubs in need of support can request an application form by e-mail to premier@gov.bm.