FirstCaribbean International Bank has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the College of The Bahamas (COB) on a programme to support the creation and delivery of specialist training for professionals in regional banking and financial services.

At the signing of the MOU, FirstCaribbean Chairman Michael Mansoor said the regional institution looks forward to working with the College on the human resource development initiative. *”We will work with our colleagues across the banking sector to encourage acceptance of these programmes within the financial services community,”* he said.

Under the agreement, FirstCaribbean will disburse $75,000 over the periods 2003 to 2005 in increments of $25,000 for each year, and as part of the agreement, will work with the COB to share information on the experiences of the bank and the historic merger.

The COB also has been invited to supply in-house training programmes for FirstCaribbean, complementing the services currently offered by The Bahamas Institute of Financial Services (BIFS).

As part of the MOU, FirstCaribbean has undertaken to assist the College in funding scholarships as well as the establishment of a mentorship and internship programme. COB President Dr. Leon Higgs expressed appreciation for the collaboration with FirstCaribbean. *”COB is always pleased when responsible citizens, private and corporate, work with us to fulfill our mission,”* he said.