A government employee who showed “exceptional commitment” to her work supporting cruise ship visits to the island won last month’s Public Service Excellence Award.

Stacey Evans, a transportation co-ordinator in the Ministry of Transport, was said to be a key player in the home port arrangement with Viking Cruise Lines.

A government spokeswoman explained that her main duties included liaising with the cruise ship industry to manage scheduled calls.

She said: “Ms Evans has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her role while understanding the importance of visiting cruise ships to Bermuda's economy and tourism industry.

“In preparation for the return of cruise ships for the 2022 Spring/Summer season, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, to ensure the smooth disembarkation of all scheduled cruise ship calls and passengers.”

The spokeswoman added that Ms Evans provided support in processing travel authorisation applications for cruise ship passengers and found “solutions in the face of challenges or crises”.

She said: “She assisted the Ministry of Health with their Covid-19 health protocols and created a workable on-board solution for processing TAs at the cruise ship ports.

“She also co-ordinated border control stakeholder meetings with 76 cruise ship stakeholders to ensure that all Covid-related requirements were met.”

The spokeswoman added: “Ms Evans has conducted research, attending various overseas ports and testing facilities to learn about their processes to review how Bermuda can improve its framework.

“Her findings have been of great assistance to all parties and her efforts were instrumental to the successful home porting of Viking Cruise Lines in Bermuda.”

She explained that the PSEA aimed to encourage outstanding achievement and recognise public officers “who are demonstrating admirable service delivery”.

Lawrence Scott, the Minister of Transport, said: “Covid-19 has presented numerous challenges to the transport industry, and I am incredibly thankful to Ms Evans for upholding Bermuda's reputation as a desirable vacation destination.

“I salute her efforts to co-ordinate the successful return of cruise ship calls to Bermuda for the 2022 Spring/Summer season and wish her continued success in her projects.”

Derrick Binns, the head of the public service, added: “On behalf of the public service executive, thank you, Ms Evans, for your ongoing commitment to Bermuda.

“The exceptional service you continue to provide to local and international stakeholders is truly exemplary of Bermudians’ renowned hospitality.

“Congratulations on your well-deserved award, and may you continue to raise the bar.”