**Francelyn Bethel** is the **2005 Achiever of the Year**, selected as part of the annual **Industry Excellence Awards** programme hosted by the Bahamas Financial Services Board.
The award was presented at the recent 5th Annual Industry Excellence Awards Banquet at Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. The Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, M.P., Minister of Financial Services and Investments presented remarks on the occasion, noting that industry had gathered together *”to recognise and thank all of the Stars in the financial services sector who have contributed to the continued growth and development of this industry.”*. She said it was through the application of their knowledge, skills and expertise in a client oriented fashion that they have helped the financial services industry to succeed.
Francelyn Bethel serves as Executive Assistant to Mr. Bruce C. Bell, CEO at Oceanic Bank and Trust Limited, who describes her as being his “right arm” for over 9 years. Mr. Bell nominated Ms. Bethel for the award. With prolonged absences from the office necessitated by demands of the job, he says he has no hesitation in leaving her in charge of the work which needs to be processed. She is a self assured, intelligent, self-starter who is able to balance the various demands placed upon her. In discussing the business executives and their executive assistants around the world that he deals with, Bruce Bell maintains that Francelyn Bethel can match or better any executive assistant he has met.
Credited with being meticulous and consistent in producing quality work, Ms. Bethel also is said to be very discrete, knowing well how to keep her counsel. Both clients and employees demonstrate huge respect for this professional, particularly evidenced by the fact that they often go directly to her for assistance. Fully understanding Oceanic’s vision, she will work with any staff member to get the job done.
Consistently and willingly participating in professional development, Francelyn currently is enrolled in correspondence (degree) courses and regularly attends STEP lectures.
Francelyn is also very popular with the staff at Oceanic and is always willing to mentor or assist at any time; because of her overall outstanding attitude colleagues say she serves as a role model in the office.
Other winners of this year’s Awards include:
• **Paul J. Winder**, Ansbacher (Bahamas) Ltd: Executive of the Year
• **Crestwell Gardiner**, Fidelity Group of Companies: Profession of the Year
• **Association of International Banks and Trust Companies**: Financial Services Development & Promotion Award
• **Christine Leo**, PricewaterhouseCoopers: Financial Services Student of the Year
* Photo shows Ms. Bethel accepting the award from the Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson. Also pictured (left to right) are Bruno Roberts, BFSB Chairman; Sheila Carey, Permanent Secretary of the MFSI; and Wendy Warren, BFSB CEO & Executive Director.*