The Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) at the weekend honoured 32 outstanding individuals for their contribution to the growth and development of the sector.

The BFSB hosted its 14th Annual FSI Excellence Awards gala dinner November 14 in Nassau.

In bringing remarks to the honourees and guests, attorney general and Minister of Legal Affairs Allyson Maynard-Gibson said that the government recognizes that the success of The Bahamas is linked to the success of the financial services sector and the professionals who work within it.

“The Bahamas’ greatest asset is its people. People are vital to the success of financial services.”

She pointed out that expertise, efficiency and excellence will distinguish The Bahamas in a newly competitive global industry.

“I am filled with national pride as I congratulate all nominees and their families tonight,” she said.

The award recipients are:

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Ian Fair, chairman, Bahamas First Holdings, Butterfield Trust (Bahamas) Ltd, Bahamas International Securities Exchange

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, Nicole Fair (accepting on behalf of her father Ian Fair), Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR
Ivan Hooper, CEO, The Winterbotham Trust Company Ltd.

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, recipient Ivan Hooper, Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

MENTOR OF THE YEAR
Edward Virgil II, senior assistant manager, Commonwealth Bank Limited

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, recipient Edward Virgil, Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

FINANCIAL SERVICES DEVELOPMENT & PROMOTION
ICON Working Group (ICON Launch)

Pictured: (back row, from left) Mechelle Martinborough, Brian Jones, Paul Winder, Ivan Hooper, Samantha Knowles-Pratt, Michele Pindling-Sands (accepting for Linda Beidler-D’Aguilar). (Front row, from left) Wendy Warren, Pamela Klonaris, Christel Sands-Feaste, Edgar Fernandez, Prince Rahming, Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen, Michelle Neville-Clarke. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Baldwin Rigby, associate director-fiduciary services, Scotiatrust

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, recipient Baldwin Rigby, Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR
Amanda Smith, associate manager, Andbank (Bahamas) Ltd.

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, recipient Amanda Smith, Minister Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

STUDENT OF THE YEAR
Tevin Bannister, BBA economics & finance

Pictured: (left to right) Sophia Thurston, Pamela Musgrove (CFAL Co-sponsors of the award), BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, Minister Maynard-Gibson, recipient Tevin Bannister, Antoinette Russell (AIBT – Co-sponsors of the Award), BFSB CEO Aliya Allen, and Patti Bain (Societe Generale Private Banking Bahamas – Cosponsors of the award). (Photo courtesy BFSB)

MINISTER’S AWARD
Michelle Neville-Clarke, partner, Lennox Paton

Pictured: (left to right) Director of financial services Dr Nicola Virgil-Rolle and recipient Michelle Neville-Clarke. (Photo courtesy BFSB)

BFSB Appreciation Award
Julius Baer Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd

Pictured: (left to right) BFSB chairman Prince Rahming, Patrick Feuz (accepting on behalf of Julius Baer), Minister Allyson Maynard-Gibson, BFSB CEO Aliya Allen. (Photo courtesy BFSB)