Saturday 23rd February, 2008

The London Office hosted a very successful Professional Development Seminar on the British Virgin Islands Financial Services industry for Virgin Islanders studying in the United Kingdom on Saturday 23 February, 2008. The main objective of the seminar was to ensure that the students have a working appreciation of the financial services sector particularly as it relates to helping them define and achieve their career goals. The seminar was also attended by a number of Virgin Islanders living in the United Kingdom.

The day’s presenters included Political/Accounts Officer in the London Office Sandra Besson B.Sc, MBA ACCA, Leonard A. Birmingham (Harneys) Nick Careless (Managing Director, AP Executive), Robert Duggan (Walkers), Dwayne Thomas (BVI International Finance Centre), John Adie (AMS BVI) and David Lord (3 Stone Buildings)

The majority of the delegates found the Seminar to be ‘valuable’ in terms of knowledge received and networking opportunities, with everyone expressing an interest in attending future BVILO events. Over one-third of attendees felt they were more likely to consider corporate law careers in the BVI as a result of the seminar.

London Office Director Dawn Smith commented: “The financial services sector in the British Virgin Islands provides unprecedented opportunities for all Virgin Islanders – directly and indirectly - and we all need to understand this industry which contributes so much to our national income. The quality of today’s presentations was very high and I am pleased that the presenters were so keen to work with us in presenting this seminar. I am also very pleased with the students – the very high turnout, their maturity, infectious enthusiasm and easy interaction with the speakers and each other. I know that they have bright futures ahead of them and I wish them the very best.”