The Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme commenced today with an orientation aimed at preparing students for valuable work experiences across various sectors within the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) financial services industry. This initiative is positioned to broaden its reach and establish itself as an annual programme, ensuring sustained engagement and meaningful impact.
A collaborative effort between the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade and BVI Finance, the internship programme aims to equip students with essential insights before embarking on their job placements. The orientation session provided guidance on workplace etiquette, career planning, and a comprehensive overview of the BVI financial services industry and its offerings. Speakers included Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Lorna Smith, Al-Quamin Nibbs of TMF, Wayne Francis of Praxis, Simone Martin of the FSC, Sabinah Clement of Trident, Chidi Liburd of the HLSCC RMI, Bria Smith of the HLSCC, Shamirah Langford of Interpath, and the organizers of the programme, Kyla Forbes of the Ministry of Financial Services, and Shamahl Smith of BVI Finance. Trevaughn Smith of BVI Finance moderated the orientation session.
This session serves as a foundational step, complementing, and enriching the students' experience as they integrate into their partner firms this week. Participants, currently pursuing tertiary education, engaged in hands-on learning within their respective areas of interest. Beyond gaining practical experience, students have the opportunity to network, fostering valuable connections and acquiring essential knowledge early in their professional journeys.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, emphasised the programme's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders to sustain the BVI's prominence in the industry: "We are thrilled to inaugurate the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme with this orientation session, providing students with pertinent insights into careers within our financial services industry. This initiative aims to cultivate young talent who will drive the future of financial services, bolstering the broader economy and ensuring the BVI's global competitiveness. With the caliber and enthusiasm of this year's applicants, I am confident that the future of the BVI’s financial services industry is secure."
Twenty-six students are placed with the following partner firms:
Attorney General Chambers
Bolder Corporate Services (BVI) Limited
BVI Finance
Collas Crill
Deloitte BVI
EY
Financial Investigation Agency
Financial Services Commission
Interpath Advisory
Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade
National Bank of the Virgin Islands
Ogier
Praxis Trust (BVI) Limited
TMF (B.V.I.) LTD.
Walkers
Elise Donovan, CEO of BVI Finance, extended gratitude to the participating partner firms, acknowledging their invaluable support stating, "We are grateful for the unwavering support of the BVI financial services community, who have generously dedicated their time and resources to nurture the Tomorrow’s Leaders interns. Thanks to their commitment, we successfully placed all applicants with partner firms, ensuring they benefit from invaluable work experiences, mentorship, and exposure to the financial services landscape. This opportunity will equip them with essential skills and confidence to pursue their chosen careers."
The Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme runs from May to September 2024.