"I was delighted to celebrate this incredible initiative that has improved the lives of seven young people and positively impacted Bermuda's Hospitality and Tourism industry”, said the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, recognising the graduation of seven students from Bacardi's Shake Your Future program.

The program offered Bermudian young people exposure and access at an international standard, receiving training at an internationally recognised institution (the European Bar School) and also providing on-the-job training, personal branding and soft skills. The experience and training obtained have raised the standard for bartenders/mixologists seeking current and future employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.

The celebration at the Bacardi 1862 Cocktail Bar included Minister Hayward, Bacardi Limited Managing Director Douglas Mello, top-level Bacardi Executives, family and friends congratulating the following graduates from the program:

• Seth Somner;
• Kneiko Brimmer;
• Detre Virgil;
• Kierra Lee;
• Dante Trott;
• Sarzjae Minors; and,
• Sahlay Govia.

Minister Hayward continued, "The Shake Your Future initiative directly aligns with Bermuda's Youth Employment strategy by increasing local training opportunities and promoting pathways to sustainable careers and employment. I applaud these young people for stepping up and making the most of this fantastic opportunity. I attribute the success of this programme to strong collaborations with the Bermuda Government, Bacardi, educational institutions and local business partners. These young people now have the tools to be successful in the hospitality industry as world-class bartenders and mixologists."

Douglas Mello, Bacardi Limited Managing Director, explained, "Shake Your Future is a truly transformative program that opens doors and addresses a pressing need within our community, providing training and preparing our young people for careers in the hospitality industry. We have seen the impact it has had on the seven graduates and are proud to collaborate with the Department of Workforce Development to make this inaugural program a success. We are committed to giving back to our community and by combining resources, expertise, innovation, and sustainable funding, partnerships like ours have the power to deliver community programs that positively impact our society."