The Bahamas Financial Services Board has announced the names of the five finalists for the annual Financial Services Student of the Year award, selected from the 2008 Graduating Class of the College of The Bahamas.

They are:

**• Kershala Takida Albury – BBA Accounting
• Ryan V.A. Albury – AA Law & Criminal Justice
• Domonique Gilbert – BBA Accounting
• Sanchina Kemp – BBA Accounting
• Garnel Leo – BBA Computer Information Systems**

The student award is sponsored in collaboration with the College of the Bahamas, the Professional Industry Association Working Group and the Central Bank of the Bahamas. The focus is on disciplines such as economics, banking and finance, law, accountancy, and computer information systems.

BFSB’s ongoing **Financial Centre Focus (FCF){B*} programme seeks to integrate the industry with the wider community, and its various initiatives address issues such as the challenges impacting the sustained growth and development of the industry. CEO & Executive Director Wendy Warren points out that an integral part of the FCF’s overall objective is to attract and maintain qualified professionals. *“In this regard”*, she says, *“particular attention is placed on highlighting the importance of quality human resources to the industry, with initiatives such as the Student Award.”*

The 2008 FSI Student of the Year will be announced at BFSB’s **FSI Excellence Awards Banquet** on October 25 when BFSB also will announce the Executive of the Year, Professional of the Year, Achiever of the Year – as well as the Financial Services Development and Promotion Award. This year, too, BFSB will recognise a Recipient for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The five finalists for the Student Award will be profiled separately in the coming weeks leading up to the Banquet.