The Tribune

The Government is aiming to create opportunities for Bahamians that will enable them “to grow beyond the Bahamas” and compete globally, a Cabinet minister has said,

Ryan Pinder, minister of financial services, made the comments as he addressed the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services’ (BIFS) Grade 12 program participants. The G12 Financial Services Certificate Programme’s objective is to provide high school seniors with the necessary kills and information for entry-level positions within the financial services sector. Over the past five years, the programme has trained more than 70 high school graduates and sparked their interest to seek a long-term career within the sector.

Mr Pinder said: “This programme sets the framework and fundamental principles for a career in the financial services sector. I urge you students to take advantage of this opportunity, as you participate in your summer internships and graduate from the programme next week. It’s important that you appreciate the level of exposure and the opportunity that has been provided, and apply the same level of commitment as you attend tertiary institutions and throughout your careers.”

Sixteen students presented their case studies to demonstrate their knowledge of financial services, ethics, the sector’s legal framework and business management.

Mr Pinder said: “The Government is committed to creating opportunities that will allow Bahamians to grow beyond here in the Bahamas, and compete within the global market. In partnership with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Financial Services is feverishly working on a skills gap review that will ensure we are identifying key skills that are needed and missing within the sector to ensure these courses, classes and resources are available.

“Furthermore, in collaboration with the Caribbean Export Development Agency (CEDA), we are proposing to establish a regional Center for Excellence here in the Bahamas to provide the learning environment, technology and education resources needed to raise our service to worldwide standards.”

The students presented their case studies on Enron, the Dot Com Bubble, the UBS Adoboli Fraud Case and Bernard Madoff, with use of creative power point presentations, skits and videos.