“As we continue to prioritise social investments, the dedication demonstrated by Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood is crucial to ensuring our public officers feel confident and equipped and that the services the Government delivers meet the community's needs,” said Premier David Burt, JP, MP, as he recognised the recipients of the September Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA).

On Friday (Oct. 11), the Government of Bermuda presented the PSEA to the Department of National Drug Control's (DNDC) Mr. Christopher Webson and Ms. Helena Carvelli-Astwood, two public officers who are dedicated addiction counsellors from the Nelson Bascome Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.

The award recognizes their exceptional leadership and collaboration in implementing the Safety-Care Crisis Intervention Techniques Training, a crucial certification program required for staff working in the facility's residential treatment programs.

The team volunteered to champion the delivery of the mandated Safety-Care training, which ensures the safety of both staff and clients and aligns with CARF Accreditation standards. In 2023, Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood participated in a rigorous three-day training course to become certified trainers. Since then, they have worked tirelessly to train the entire staff, hosting multiple training events and conducting individual reviews to ensure all team members met the program's requirements. As a result, all staff members at the facility are now fully trained and certified.

Premier Burt commended Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood for their dedication and commitment, saying, “The exceptional leadership and commitment shown by Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood in implementing the Safety-Care Crisis Intervention Techniques Training reflect the best of Bermuda’s public service. Their work not only enhances the safety and well-being of their colleagues and clients but also aligns with the government's broader focus on enhancing social services, particularly in areas like mental health and substance abuse support. 

”As we continue to prioritise social investments, the dedication demonstrated by Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood is crucial to ensuring our public officers feel confident and equipped and that the services the Government delivers meet the community's needs. Congratulations to these outstanding officers for their hard work, which has undoubtedly contributed to a safer, more supportive Bermuda for everyone.”

The Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, also praised their teamwork and commitment to excellence. She said, “Mr. Webson and Ms. Carvelli-Astwood’s ability to work together across shifts, engage with their colleagues, and complete this critical training speaks volumes about their leadership and willingness to go the extra mile. They not only met a significant departmental need but also set an example of collaboration and professionalism. Their work helps protect both our staff and the government from potential risks, while also fostering a culture of safety and accountability, and I thank them for their contribution to the government’s progress!”

As a reminder, the PSEA is a programme that recognises a group or individual within the Public Service who made significant achievements in service delivery in the last 60 days.