A Progressive Labour Party backbencher donated almost $2,000 to young volunteers who offered their time during an international golf tournament last month.

Zane DeSilva, the MP for Southampton East, gave $100 each to 19 people who manned the valet parking at the Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton during the Bermuda Championship.

He said: “Appreciating the long hours and relentless dedication of 19 young Bermudians who assisted with the valet parking for the event, I was compelled to give them a token of my appreciation.

“As former Minister for Tourism, I know how important investing in Bermudians is to the fabric of our industry and decided to give them each $100 dollars as a token of my appreciation.”

Mr DeSilva, who also runs the landscaping company Island Construction, highlighted Anaya Williams and her cousin, Szaine, both 14, who were the youngest members of the team and started work at 6am daily from October 30 to November 1.

Other young people who volunteered during the PGA Tour event included Daren Williams, Rushana Tannock, Melissa Santucci, Thomas Smith, Christopher Mouchette, Ricky Tucker, Nathan Robinson and Samuel Matthews.

They were joined by Lloyd Evans, Karim Hewey, Lavince Samuels, Nneka Jackson, Joelle Williams, Karen Stovell, Andrew Cassidy, Nicole Morgan and Oneeka Williams.