The Bahamas Financial Services Board has released the names of the finalists for its Industry Awards, in three distinct categories: Star Performer of the Year, Professional Excellence, and Executive of the Year.
The overriding criteria set out for nominations was that the candidate’s performance must have made a positive and consistent impact on the growth and development of the financial services industry in The Bahamas. Further, Star Performers (non-managerial staff) were expected to demonstrate an outstanding work ethic, professionalism in executing duties, to accomplish goals against the odds, and contribute to the expansion of the financial industry. Candidates for the Professional Excellence Award (middle, senior or operations managers) were required to display leadership qualities and consistently make contributions to their organisations. The Executive of the Year category required nominees to exemplify outstanding leadership qualities and contribute to the growth and development of the industry.
Nominations were invited from BFSB members, Industry Associations, Industry Regulators, and the general public. Scores received for each nominee were tabulated and verified by independent accountant, appointed by the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA), Mr. L. Sydney Saunders of L.S. Saunders & Co. An especially-appointed Blue Ribbon Panel then undertook responsibility for reviewing all nominations, and selecting the finalists and winners.
Finalists in the categories are as follows:
Star Performer: Alden Gibson, Senior Client Accountant of Credit Suisse Trust Limited; Kayla Sturrup, Senior Executive Assistant, Leopold Joseph (Bahamas) Limited.
Professional Excellence: Mechelle Albury, Manager, Compliance, Securities Commission of the Bahamas; Terez Curry, Manager of Shareholders Relations, Citco Fund Services (Bahamas) Ltd; Deborah Garland, Manager, Personnel, Leopold Joseph (Bahamas) Limited; and Cecile B. Greene, CA, FLMI, Vice President-Finance, Family Guardian Insurance Company.
Executive of the Year: Bruce Bell, Managing Director, Oceanic Bank & Trust; Gregory H.J. Bethel, President, Fidelity Group of Companies; Andrew Dipkin, President, Citco Fund Services (Bahamas) Ltd.; Sandra J. Knowles, Executive Director, Securities Commission of the Bahamas; and Betty Roberts, Managing Director, SG Hambros Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Limited.
The winner in each category will be announced at BFSB’s Industry Awards Banquet, the premier event of Financial Services Week, on Wednesday, September 26th. The Banquet is being held in the Balmoral Ballroom of Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort and Spa.
BFSB Executive Directory Wendy C. Warren says, “These awards recognise role models in the industry for their outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the financial services industry in The Bahamas. Certainly, they pay tribute to the importance of quality human resources.”
Financial Services Week events also include BFSB’s Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, September 25, and conclude on Friday, September 28 with a demonstration of unity by financial services industry firms on Polo Shirt Day.