The HLSCC Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services (RMI) proudly hosted its 2026 Recognition and Closing Ceremony on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, celebrating another year of exceptional achievement, professional development, and industry collaboration within the financial services sector.
Held under an atmosphere of celebration and accomplishment, the ceremony brought together government officials, industry partners, students, facilitators, and members of the wider community to honour the accomplishments of 98 awardees across a range of internationally recognised professional programmes.
The evening featured remarks from distinguished guests including Acting Governor David Archer Jr. and Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, representing the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development and Digital Transformation.
Delivering the keynote address was Vice President of the International Compliance Association, Timothy Tyler, whose presentation challenged graduates to embrace technology in an evolving global financial services environment. The programme also included special presentations, academic excellence awards, student reflections, and recognition of industry facilitators and partners whose continued support contributes significantly to the Institute’s growing impact.
Awardees were recognised across a broad range of professional and technical programmes including ACCA, ICA Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance, ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering, ICA Advanced Certificate in Anti-Money Laundering, Introduction to Compliance, Introduction to Corporate Governance, and Intermediate Accounting.
Speaking at the ceremony, Executive Director Ms. Chidi Liburd highlighted the Institute’s continued growth and its commitment to building a highly skilled and future-ready financial services workforce for the Virgin Islands and wider Caribbean region.
“This ceremony represents far more than certificates and awards. It reflects dedication, sacrifice, perseverance, and the collective commitment of our students, facilitators, partners, and stakeholders to excellence in professional education and industry development,” Ms. Liburd stated.
The ceremony also recognised the tremendous contribution of industry facilitators and strategic partners, including the BVI Financial Services Commission, BVI Finance, the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute, BVI Association of Compliance Officers and several Industry professionals who volunteered their expertise throughout the academic year, including Sheynel Smith, T'sa James-Hodge, Christopher Simpson, David Abednego, David Milner, Harley Thomas and Yolanda McCoy.
The RMI continues to expand its portfolio of industry-relevant programmes in governance, compliance, anti-money laundering, accounting, fintech, and emerging financial services topics, positioning itself as a leading regional centre for professional education and capacity building.
The success of the 2026 Recognition and Closing Ceremony further underscored the Institute’s growing role in supporting the development of competent, ethical, and innovative professionals within the financial services industry.
For more information about programmes and upcoming training opportunities, contact the HLSCC Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services at rmi-info@hlscc.edu.vg.