Hamilton Parish Council’s newly-created scholarship fund has been given a $5,000 boost by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The donation comes as part of a Government programme to help and oversee the Island’s parish councils.

“Councils are tasked with bringing to the attention of the Minister any matter affecting the general welfare of residents in the parish,” read a Government statement. “They provide and maintain recreational facilities; they preserve and improve the general amenities of the parish; and they hold in trust for the residents of the parish parochial funds and other property.”

Mr Fahy said the donation was just the start of such support, pointing out that he hoped to donate similar funds to each of the councils that are “solvent and well managed to assist Bermuda’s young people.”

Mr Fahy added: “We recognise that if we are going to help our young people succeed in their educational pursuits, then we must ensure they have access to the financial support to assist them in achieving their goals.

“I see this as a community or grass roots level of support and I want to commend the members of the Hamilton Parish Council for kick starting this scholarship fund to aid those in need.

“We recognise that the Island’s parish councils do some tremendously good work for the residents of their community.

“In fact, their outreach programmes benefit many individuals of all ages. We consider those who manage the councils as partners in our efforts to uplift Bermudians. So, we are availing ourselves to assist their community efforts by providing that little extra boost to go towards helping our young people.

“We also see this as an incentive for the councils to ensure that their financials are in good order, and we are hopeful that we can donate further funds to all of our operational Councils.”

The Minister noted that donations could only be given providing that the Parish Council’s financials are current.