A social worker for the Department of Corrections who shone as an example of “commitment, care, and compassion” for inmates at Westgate prison has been recognised with the December 2023 public service excellence award.

Yvette Brown was congratulated by David Burt for going above and beyond throughout her five-year tenure.

The job includes liaising daily between inmates and their families, and sustaining connections with children, parents and extended family.

Ms Brown helps inmates to find housing, as well as supporting them in court appearances for family matters, accessing social funds and attending social events, among other activities.

She supports staff and steps in as programme director when required.

Ms Brown is admired by colleagues for her kindness, attentiveness, and humanity, which inspire and motivate others.

Last month, she stepped in to organise family Christmas events for men and women in three corrections facilities.

Ms Brown ensured security was in place for safe and festive gatherings to bring inmates together with children and loved ones.

She has been commended as a bridge builder, tackling gaps in services despite challenges.

Ms Brown was hailed as the epitome of the quote by the Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky, that the civilisation of a society can be judged by entering its prisons, according to Emcee Chek, a psychologist at Westgate.

Dr Chek, who referred Ms Brown for the award, praised her gift for taking on “exhaustive responsibilities” despite limited and often inadequate resources.

He added: “Humility is always at the heart of her functions.”

David Burt thanked Ms Brown for her service.

“One of the key principles in the area of corrections is to successfully reform and reintegrate healed individuals into society,” the Premier said.

“This work starts the moment a person joins the prison population.

“Thank you, Ms Brown, for doing everything within your power to ensure they feel considered and cared for, not only during the holidays, but all year round.

“Your compassion is truly inspiring to us all and epitomises what it means to be a public servant in service to the Bermuda community.”

Cherie-Lynn Whitter, the head of the Public Service, said: “For some people, working for the public service is merely a job — and for others it is a calling.

“Ms Brown’s story is a shining example of how meaningful our work can be as public officers.

“On behalf of the entire public service executive, I extend our thanks for her incredible commitment to her role and the tremendous impact she has made on all those she has worked with. Well done, and congratulations.”