The Government of Bermuda is pleased to announce that Mrs. Keeona Belboda, Manager of Ageing and Disability Services (ADS) in the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, has been selected as the January Public Service Excellence Award (PSEA) recipient.
Mrs. Belboda has been recognized for enhancing the lives of Bermuda’s seniors through her high-quality service, responsiveness, and compassion. As Senior Abuse Registrar, she plays a critical role in protecting vulnerable seniors, particularly those without family support.
Her dedication was particularly evident this past month when she took extraordinary measures to assist a senior with a disability facing a life-threatening medical emergency. With no immediate family available to advocate for them, Mrs. Belboda swiftly sought legal permission to act as Guardian Ad Litem, ensuring the senior received urgent overseas medical care. Within just three days, she coordinated all necessary logistics, including securing a surgery date, emergency passport, financial assistance, and a qualified travel companion—all while navigating complex healthcare and legal systems.
On the morning of departure, Mrs. Belboda personally ensured the senior’s safe transit, arriving at the hospital at 5:45 AM to finalize discharge paperwork before driving them to the airport. Even after the senior’s departure, she continued to monitor their progress, receiving late-night updates from the overseas hospital.
In recognition of the achievement, the Premier, the Hon. David Burt JP, MP, said, “In a moment when there was no one else to advocate for this vulnerable senior, Mrs. Belboda stepped forward without hesitation. Her quick thinking, compassion, and determination ensured life-saving care for someone in urgent need. As Bermuda’s ageing population grows, so does the need for dedicated public officers like Mrs. Belboda, who consistently go the extra mile to protect and support our most vulnerable. Her actions embody the very best of public service, and I am proud to recognise her with this well-deserved award.”
The Head of the Public Service, Mrs. Cherie-Lynn Whitter, added, “Mrs. Belboda’s dedication is an inspiring example of public officers going above and beyond for the people they serve. Her actions reflect the core values of the Public Service—excellence, responsiveness, and genuine care for those in need. On behalf of the Public Service Executive, I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations.”
And Mrs. Belboda expressed her gratitude for receiving the award, noting, “Ageing & Disability Services supports and protects seniors and persons with disabilities at risk of abuse or self-neglect via compliance, programme delivery, education and stakeholder collaboration. Our team is committed to ensuring the safety, well-being, and dignity of our community’s most vulnerable populations.”
The PSEA programme recognises a group or individual within the Public Service who made significant achievements in service delivery in the last 60 days.