The manager of the Government’s Department of Ageing and Disability Services has been recognised with the Public Service Excellence Award for January.

Keeona Belboda stepped up last month to become the temporary guardian for a senior with a disability.

The temporary care ensured that the senior received life-saving treatment.

Ms Belboda said: “Ageing and Disability Services supports and protects seniors and persons with disabilities at risk of abuse or self-neglect via compliance, programme delivery, education and stakeholder collaboration.

“Our team is committed to ensuring the safety, wellbeing and dignity of our community’s most vulnerable populations.”

Ms Belboda, the Senior Abuse Registrar, is responsible for addressing claims of mistreatment and protecting victims.

A government spokeswoman said that the position was particularly “critical” for seniors who did not have family support.

She added that Ms Belboda’s dedication to the job was evident last month when she sought legal permission to act as the Guardian Ad Litem for a senior with no immediate family.

The senior needed urgent medical care overseas but had no one who could sign off on their leave.

After becoming the senior’s legal guardian, Ms Belboda organised a surgery date, emergency passport, financial assistance and a travel companion — all within three days.

She also arrived at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital at 5.45am to finalise the senior’s discharge paperwork before taking them to the hospital.

Ms Belboda even kept abreast of regular updates from the overseas hospital, which often came late at night.

The government spokeswoman said that Ms Belboda’s alertness and compassion had played a “critical role” in seniors’ lives.

David Burt, the Premier, said that Ms Belboda was a prime example for public service employees.

He said: “In a moment when there was no one else to advocate for this vulnerable senior, Mrs Belboda stepped forward without hesitation.

“Her quick thinking, compassion and determination ensured life-saving care for someone in urgent need.”

Mr Burt added: “As Bermuda’s ageing population grows, so does the need for dedicated public officers like Mrs Belboda, who consistently go the extra mile to protect and support our most vulnerable.

“Her actions embody the very best of public service and I am proud to recognise her with this well-deserved award.”

Cherie-Lynn Whitter, the Head of the Public Service, added: “Mrs Belboda’s dedication is an inspiring example of public officers going above and beyond for the people they serve.

“Her actions reflect the core values of the public service — excellence, responsiveness and genuine care for those in need.

“On behalf of the public service executive, I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations.”