The Government of Bermuda is pleased to announce that Ms. Keeona Belboda, Senior Abuse Registrar in the Ageing and Disability Services team within the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, was named the 2025 Employee of the Year during the Public Service Excellence Awards End‑of‑Year Celebration.

Now in its fourth year, the Public Service Excellence Awards (PSEA) represent the culmination of 12 months of recognition across the Public Service. 

Nearly 400 public officers were nominated in 2025, highlighting the significant impact and commitment demonstrated across Government. 

Only recipients of the Employee of the Month awards were eligible for consideration for the highest honour, Employee of the Year.

In front of a capacity crowd at Pier Six on Front Street, Ms. Belboda received her award from the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, who commended her remarkable compassion, dedication, and leadership.

Ms. Belboda’s recognition follows her extraordinary actions during a life or death emergency involving a senior with an intellectual disability and no family support. When urgent overseas surgery was required, she took immediate steps to safeguard the senior’s wellbeing, including seeking emergency legal authority to act as Guardian.

Over a three day period, Ms. Belboda coordinated every logistical, medical, and financial detail required to facilitate the senior’s urgent travel and surgery. Her actions included:

• Securing emergency legal authority
• Coordinating with the hospital to confirm an overseas surgery date
• Obtaining an emergency passport
• Working with medical teams to compile necessary records and documentation
• Securing emergency financial assistance for travel and accommodation
• Arranging a qualified medical travel companion
• Personally transporting the senior to the airport at 5.45 a.m. on the morning of departure

Her consistent follow through, including late night updates from overseas hospital staff, exemplified her commitment to protecting vulnerable seniors and delivering exceptional service under pressure.

During the awards celebration, the Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, praised the dedication of all nominees and highlighted the strong performance of the Public Service as a whole. She noted that 77% of residents reported satisfaction with government services in the most recent public perception survey, with a handful of departments achieving satisfaction ratings of over 90%.

Reflecting on this year’s honourees, Ms. Whitter said, “On this occasion we celebrate those who went above and beyond. Nearly 400 public officers were nominated this year because someone saw their hard work, their impact, and their commitment to excellence. Ms. Belboda embodies the very best of the Public Service. Her dedication, compassion, and extraordinary efforts reflect what happens when people genuinely love the work they do, they go the extra mile, often without fanfare. We are proud to honour her as the 2025 Employee of the Year.”

Ms. Whitter also reaffirmed ongoing work to modernise grade progression and development frameworks within the Public Service to better reward sustained excellence.

In addition to the Employee of the Year announcement, the ceremony also recognised outstanding officers and teams for excellence in specific areas:

• Excellence in Supporting People: Kenlyn Butterfield was honoured for her exceptional dedication to supporting clients and demonstrating a strong commitment to service delivery.
• Excellence in Project Delivery: A team from the Department of Marine and Ports Services was recognised for successfully completing the development and delivery of two new ferries, both delivered on time and on budget, demonstrating exemplary project management and operational leadership.
• Rising Star Award: Shawnea Lewis received the Rising Star Award in recognition of her strong performance, growth, and promise as an emerging leader within the Public Service.

The Government extends its warmest congratulations to Ms. Keeona Belboda and to all officers recognised throughout the year. Their contributions represent the very best of Bermuda’s Public Service and reflect a shared commitment to delivering high quality service to the people of Bermuda.

As a note, Employee of the Year First Runner Up was Ms. Ziafra Wade-Davis, of the Accountant General’s Department and Second Runner Up was Ms. Dionne Tuzo, of the Department of Education.