The latest group of graduates to complete the Parks Department’s skills development programme were honoured this week.

The programme was designed to train Bermudians aged between 19 and 25 who were interested in learning about horticulture and the landscaping trade.

The training scheme is led by Roger Parris and Sam Santucci of the parks department, with help from the Garden Club of Bermuda.

Mr Parris said participants “just need the opportunity to show their talent”.

He added that as a programme leader he had learnt that the trust of participants was the most important thing.

Mr Parris explained: “It allows for openness and constructive feedback. When there is no truth, it becomes hard to get anything done.”

Cindy Young, the president of the Garden Club of Bermuda, said the club was committed to cultivation of the programme.

Ms Young told the graduates: “We want you to work hard, learn lots, respect your mentors, families and friends, and be proud Bermudians.”

David Burt, the Premier, said that the programme had been “an impressive training opportunity for our young people”.

He added: “This initiative, since its inception, has received considerable praise and has achieved great success. Not only has it provided individuals with a new set of skills in many cases, but it has also assisted Government with a variety of projects island-wide, including at my temporary home, Clifton.”

Mr Burt said he and his family has seen first-hand “the dedication, the talent, the progress and development” of participants.

He added: “We are truly impressed with their work.”

Mr Burt thanks Mr Parris and Mr Santucci as well as their staff for their “commitment and dedication and for the tremendous opportunities you are providing”.

He also singled out Ms Young and the Garden Club of Bermuda for their “generous fundraising efforts and scholarship awards programme”.

John Rankin, the Governor, said that he admired the programme.

He added that the course was about “much more” than horticulture and landscaping.

Mr Rankin said: “It’s helping the participants to gain confidence and build the skills they need to enter the general workforce, and indeed to contribute more widely to the community in which they live.”

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the public works minister, said the programme demonstrated “village work”.

He added: “Whilst we inherited it from the previous administration, it is proof positive that there are things in this community that can transcend and survive politics. And certainly helping our young people must fall in that category.”

This week’s group was the fifth to complete the programme.