The Tribune

An general insurance agency owned by Bahamas First has marked its 60th anniversary at an event attended by both a Cabinet minister and senior regulator.

NUA Insurance Agents & Brokers, which began operations in August 1966 just prior to Majority Rule and The Bahamas’ independence, celebrated six decades in business at an event held under the theme. ‘Trusted for Generations’.

It featured remarks from Senator Jerome Fitzgerald, minister of economic affairs; Alison J. Treco, executive chair of Bahamas First Holdings; Stanford Charlton, NUA managing sirector; and Dana Munnings-Gray, superintendent of insurance.

“A company does not reach 60 simply because it was established 60 years ago,” Mrs Treco said. “It gets there by remaining relevant, adapting to change and earning the trust and confidence of all of its stakeholders.”

NUA was the first entity established in what would eventually become the Bahamas First group. Over the decades, it has adapted its products, processes and service channels to changing customer needs.

Mr Charlton said NUA’s history provides an important foundation, but its future depends upon the agency continuing to evolve.

“That is the NUA we are building for the next generation: An agency that is experienced without being complacent, established without being stuck, trusted because of our history, but relevant because we continue to change,” he added.

Mr Charlton said that while technology has transformed the way customers interact with insurance providers and intermediaries, personal expertise remains central to NUA’s approach.

He added that NUA’s customers can access a growing range of services online, including obtaining quotes, purchasing or renewing policies, making premium payments and accessing insurance documents, while continuing to have access to experienced insurance executives when they need advice and guidance. 

“Our job is not to choose between technology and people,” Mr Charlton said. “It is to use technology to make our people more accessible, our service more responsive and the customer experience more seamless.”

Born in 1966, Mr Charlton celebrated his own 60th birthday alongside the agency’s milestone. Following his remarks and an anniversary toast, employees surprised him with a birthday cake.

Throughout its anniversary year, NUA has celebrated its employees through its True Blue initiative, which began with monthly staff appreciation activities.

As NUA enters its seventh decade, Mr Charlton said its focus remains firmly on ensuring the agency continues to earn the trust reflected in its anniversary theme. “Our history gives us credibility. Our people give us strength. And our willingness to keep evolving will determine what the next 60 years look like,” he said.