Roadtown, Tortola - Students in Forms 3 – 5 in high schools throughout the Territory will be more educated about the financial services industry and the existing career opportunities as a result of initiatives undertaken by the BVI International Finance Centre (IFC). 

IFC in its continued effort to increase local awareness has taken a robust tact in ensuring that the upper form high school students are enriched by the Financial Services High School Education Programme (FSHS Education Programme). 

Sherri Ortiz, IFC’s Chief Operating Officer stated that “the IFC recognizes the need to holistically advance opportunities within the education system to ensure that students are able to better understand where and how they can contribute to the future development of the Territory’s financial services industry.  The intention is to provide a structurally cohesive approach, which is why the IFC has included third formers in the programme for the first time, with second formers being integrated in the future sessions to begin in November 2009.”

The FSHS Education Programme has four main objectives. They are to provide a greater understanding of the financial services industry; address career opportunities available within the industry; state the benefits of continued education and certification within the industry and specify the advantages of working in any of the various sectors which comprise the financial services industry.

Eight sessions have been completed to date, where presentations with the assistance of private sector representatives have been conveyed to students.

Ms. Ortiz expressed her gratitude to the private sector and the schools for facilitating the FSHS Education Programme which is geared towards preparing and motivating the youth of the Territory as they begin to consider their career choices. She advised that “as the IFC continues to play a pivotal role in the promotion and marketing of the BVI as a globally integrated and responsible financial services centre, the younger generation in the not too distant future will dictate the next steps, and our job is to ensure that they are provided with the knowledge and information they will need to make educated decisions.” 

Ms. Ortiz also suggested that the public access the IFC website http://www.bviifc.gov.vg which was recently launched to receive updates on local, regional and international information regarding financial services.

As the Government agency responsible for promoting and marketing the Territory, the BVI International Finance Centre is committed to ensuring that the Territory maintains its competitive edge as a leading financial centre.