Michael Dunkley has issued a call to women to take advantage of the move to open up the Bermuda Government’s boards and committees.

The Premier told the House of Assembly that members of the public seeking to join boards and committees were now free to apply to do so for the first time.

Residents wishing to serve can do so via the Cabinet Office web page on the government portal.

“More specifically, we are hoping that more women in our community embrace this opportunity to serve,” Mr Dunkley said.

The pledge was made in the Throne Speech 14 days ago.

Asked by Opposition MP Walton Brown who would make the ultimate decisions, the Premier said that all requests would be sent to the relevant ministers and ministries.

“In the past there has not been an avenue for any member of the public to apply — in the past you had to know somebody and put your name forward.”

Mr Dunkley said the initiative would see boards and committees draw from a larger talent pool than had been the case in the past.

“It is to be followed in 2016 by a functional review of government boards to determine how their productivity and effectiveness can be increased, and decide which boards are no longer required.”