The inaugural Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme, designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills for their careers ahead, marks a significant milestone as 21 students complete the first programme.
A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, and BVI Finance, the internship develops the BVI’s future financial services leaders, allowing them to gain invaluable experience and insights across various sectors within the BVI’s thriving financial services industry. The first cohort were placed at 14 local offices, where they engaged in areas such as accounting, marketing, banking, compliance, data analytics, artificial intelligence, tax, and communications.
Throughout their internships, participants engaged in hands-on learning within their areas of interest. Beyond gaining practical experience, the students also networked with industry professionals, fostering valuable connections and acquiring critical knowledge early in their professional journeys. The programme began with an orientation session that provided guidance on workplace etiquette, career planning, and a comprehensive overview of the BVI financial services industry.
The following students successfully completed their internships and were placed as follows:
Aiden Abendego - Praxis
Ashawnna Anthony - BVI Finance
Azeem Nibbs - Bolder
Bridgette Grant - Bolder
Caliyah Charles - National Bank of the Virgin Islands
Desha Skelton - Deloitte
DiaMonae Thomas - BVI Finance
Diamond Lake - Interpath
Doian Kettle - TMF
Jada Barrett - Attorney General’s Chambers
Jayda Leslie - National Bank of the Virgin Islands
Jordan Dawson - Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation
J'von Smith - National Bank of the Virgin Islands
Kamaria Dawson - Financial Investigation Agency
Kassidy Penn - EY
Makaela Davies - Walkers
Nathan Nibbs - Financial Services Commission
Raymani Maloney - Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade
Saungie Liburd - Financial Services Commission
Tierra DaSilva - Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade
Tishauni Hall - BVI Finance
Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, emphasized the strategic importance of the programme, stating, "The Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme is not just an educational initiative—it is a vital investment in the future of the British Virgin Islands. By nurturing our young talent and equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in the financial services industry, we are directly contributing to the long-term growth and resilience of our economy. This collaboration between the government, BVI Finance, and industry partners exemplifies how we can strengthen the BVI's position on the global stage through targeted human resource development. I am immensely proud of this first cohort and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they will have on our community and economy."
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, highlighted the significance of this inaugural programme, stating, "The Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme is a cornerstone in our commitment to developing the BVI’s human resources capacity in the financial services industry. We are immensely grateful to the local firms that participated this year. Their support is crucial in providing these young talents with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their chosen careers."
Lisa Violet, CEO of the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation, who hosted an intern in Fintech, shared her gratitude: "As a new statutory body, the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation (VIDIC) is committed to developing talent, sharing knowledge and experience in the financial services sector, and supporting programmes such as the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme. We too gain from the unbridled enthusiasm, open mindset, and emerging expertise of the new generation."
Kassidy Penn, Intern at EY, shared her experience stating “My internship goals included mastering communication, time management, and presentation skills, all of which are essential for my future in accounting. Aspiring to become a forensic accountant, the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship provided a strong accounting foundation and real-world experience. The mentorship and networking opportunities were crucial for my career growth. This experience has significantly enriched my academic knowledge and confirmed my specialization choice, setting a solid foundation for my professional journey.”
The inaugural Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme ran from May to September 2024.
As the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme concludes its first year, it sets a strong foundation for future cohorts, empowering students and strengthening the financial services industry in the BVI.