More than two decades ago, the Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute with the over-arching guidance of The Berkeley Educational Society, adopted a set of Core Values that would serve as the framework for the continued delivery of education programming as a premier senior secondary school.
The very first of these six Core Values speaks to the preservation of the Legacy, History and Heritage of the school.
Following a long and illustrious lineage dating back to 1879 with the election of the Rev. Mark James as the first constitutional Chair of the Society, Mr. H. Sinclair R. White was a devoted member of the Society and served for 11 years as Chairman of the Management Committee with a zeal that is not easily matched.
It has been my honour, and that of the entire Governing Body – both past and present- to have experienced Mr. White’s sterling leadership and unwavering commitment to the vision of the Founding Fathers of the Society to meaningfully support the advancement of excellence in education fitting for our students to discharge the obligations of this life regardless of race, colour or creed.
Today, we salute Mr. Sinclair White particularly as the immediate Past Chairman of the Society and pray for his eternal repose.
Respice finem
Mr. Craig Bridgewater
Chairman
Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute
Tribute to Mr. H. Sinclair White, Class of 1968
From The Berkeley Educational Society
Mr. H. Sinclair White, Chairman of The Berkeley Educational Society 2011 - 2022.
Sinclair White attended The Berkeley Institute and was a member of The Berkeley Institute’s Class of 1968.
He became the twenty-first Chairman of The Berkeley Educational Society in 2011, succeeding the late Mr. Austin Thomas and dedicated eleven years of service.
Sinclair was devoted to The Berkeley Institute and carried out his duties as Chairman of The Berkeley Educational Society in a diligent and conscientious manner.
As Chairman, Mr. White conducted each Berkeley Educational Society meeting in a gentlemanly and scholarly way with firmness but fairness. He gave everyone a chance to voice their opinion without fair or favour especially during the “Any Other Business”.
He was about the business of the School and the Society, as he fervently supported the Society’s role as the parent body of the school. His support for his Alma Mater was unquestionable – his son was also a Berkeley alumnus.
Sinclair’s voice for The Berkeley Institute lives on in the film “Respice Finem” in which he spoke about the aspects of The Society and the School’s history and legacy.
Sinclair had a very generous spirit and would often donate anything needed for the Society if he felt it would be beneficial.
Sinclair distinguished himself as a dedicated Chairman of The Berkeley Educational Society. His memory will always be etched in the hearts of the members and fellow Berkeleyites as one who persevered even during his illness.
May he rest in well-deserved peace.
Respice Finem – Keep the End in View
The Berkeley Educational Society
Call Kim Jackson (441) 599-1228 for additional information, 10 am – 4 pm (Monday-Friday)
Special guests Jameel McGee and Andrew Collins shared their story of forgiveness to S4 students at the Berkeley Institute.
Chain Reaction Movement, which brought the duo to the island, engaged the students by asking if they have been hurt and would like to forgive those who hurt them.
Those willing to let go and forgive wrote their names on large paper, as shown in our photograph. CRM encouraged students to take part in their campaign by sharing their stories of hurt and forgiveness on social media using the hashtag #LetItGoBDA.
Mr. McGee and Mr. Collins, from Benton Harbour, Michigan, have been spreading the message to students about their unlikely bond of friendship and forgiveness.
Mr. Collins, a white police officer, framed Mr. McGee, who is black, for a drug offence that put him behind bars for four years.
Mr. Collins later did jail time of his own for falsification of police reports and planting drugs.
Sakari Famous, Bermuda’s Premier Junior Female High Jumper commits to competing for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. After making official recruiting visits to top universities, including, University of North Carolina, Texas A & M and Vanderbilt University, Famous decided that University of Georgia was the best place to continue her education and athletic career. Surrounded by coaches, teachers, family and friends, the five-time CARIFTA medalist signs her National Letter of Intent, which brings to an end the overwhelming recruiting process. “I want to get to the next level in high jump as I continue my education. I knew deep within that UGA was the right school for me and I am so grateful for this opportunity” says Famous. Bermuda National Athletics Association vertical jumps coach, Rohaan Simons fondly states, “Sakari was a part of my original crew of jumpers as I started to coach on the national level. I can definitely say that she set herself apart from any other female jumper. Her exceptional talent, her higher work ethic and excellent attitude is a coach’s dream! Her accomplishments in CARIFTA may have been enough for some, but it was never going to be enough for Sakari. She has pushed me as a coach to find ways to improve, as we have worked out many problems over the years. I can definitely say that today is an extremely proud day for me and I wish Sakari all the very best as she pursues her craft while she obtains her education abroad. Congratulations once again and I’ll always be here to support you in your quest for greatness.” The UGA Track and Field team may have what is the best jumps program in all of the NCAA as they have consistently produced NCAA champions in the jumps under the expertise of Head Coach Petros Kyprianou. Coach Kyprianou told Sakari on her visit to UGA that he would be happy to carry on the tradition of top Bermudian athletes at the University of Georgia. Former top Bermudian middle distance runner Steve Burgess, Bermuda Men’s National Record holder in the 800m, Aaron Evans and Bermuda Women’s National Record holder for Indoor High Jump, Latroya Darrell all competed for the University of Georgia. Coach Kyprianou coached Latroya Darrell during her time as a Bulldog. Famous, the twice National Junior Athlete in track and Field, is so excited to become a Bulldog and looks forward to her future. Her mother says, “Sakari works hard on and off the track and as her family we are proud of the individual that she has become. The recruiting process has been such an eye opener to the opportunities that student athletes have. Although it was absolutely overwhelming, we are grateful for the guidance of Dr. Freddie Evans, the support of the teachers at the Berkeley Institute, the coaches at University of Georgia, and of course, our family during the last 4 months. Go Dawgs!”
Bermuda’s first non-segregated school is celebrating 120 years of education .
The Berkeley Institute, the idea of 11 “founding fathers”, opened its doors on September 6, 1897 — and it has stuck to its original plan to provide a first-class education to any pupil prepared to try their best.
New principal Keisha Douglas, the school’s eighth head teacher and herself a former pupil, said: “The founding fathers would be excited to know that we truly remain a senior school for all and it is our vision to be first choice for everybody.
“We continue along that path with our programming and with our staffing — enticing persons over and realising that we continue, after 120 years, to produce role-model citizens who go to the highest heights in Bermuda and worldwide.”
Top businesspeople and a string of Bermuda premiers, including Paula Cox, Ewart Brown, Alex Scott, Dame Jennifer Smith and Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks, have all worn Berkeley’s distinctive green and gold.
Ms Douglas said: “Not everyone will be a premier, a doctor or a lawyer, but we are still ensuring success for all by finding their strengths.
“It is amazing how we evolved to give everyone access. From a principal’s perspective, our goal is to keep that legacy and pride at the fore.”
She added: “Our history and legacy will never change. That is the only thing that can ever stay constant and current.
“We will be around for a long time — we are going nowhere. Our goal is that everyone will have a pathway to success and live out the dream of our founding fathers.
“We are providing a first-class education for all.”
The school first opened at Samaritan’s Lodge on Court Street, Hamilton, then land on St John’s Road, Pembroke, in 1899 was bought for a new and larger school, which opened in 1902.
The latest incarnation, in nearby Berkeley Road, opened in 2006.
The school was named after Bishop George Berkeley — an Anglican priest from Dysart, Ireland, who wanted to establish a school in the colonies.
But his original project collapsed after funding failed to materialise.
Around 100 years later, the Reverend William Dowding revived Berkeley’s dream of establishing an interracial school but financial support for Rev Dowding’s short-lived interracial St Paul’s College also evaporated.
The Berkeley Educational Society was formed and met on October 6, 1879 at the home of businessman and landowner Samuel David Robinson.
Members campaigned to raise funds for the school and they became known as Berkeley Institute’s founding fathers.
And they achieved their dream of a new school for all, despite 18 years of struggle — not least with a reluctant white establishment in still-segregated Bermuda.
The school’s motto Respice Finem — Keep the end in view — still stands as a tribute to their determination.
Chairman of the board of governors Craig Bridgewater, who is a managing director at professional services firm KPMG, said new pupils were made aware of the struggle to found the school.
He said: “For the students coming in, we have the Berkeley Project where they have to write about what it is like to be Berkeleyite.
“The students have to research the history of Berkeley — the founding fathers, who they were and so on and whoever writes the best essay gets to present that at a prize giving.
“From day one — the whole Berkeley spirit, the green and the gold school colours and the history of Berkeley — is instilled.
“Even wearing your uniform properly is important. We incorporate that from day one — from orientation — and keep that going.”
And Ms Douglas added that former pupils also acted as an unofficial school police to ensure present pupils lived up to the school’s high standards.
She said: “It’s true — Berkeleyites will call up the principal and tell us about someone’s tie not being on properly — they take it very seriously. It is part of that pride. That is what we are about — building up a nation. We don’t apologise for our greatness — we never have.
“When I attended Berkeley from 1985 to 1990, we were told every day that we were the best.
“We believed it and we carried ourselves accordingly. No one could tell us anything different.”
Ms Douglas, ex-principal of Clearwater Middle School, said former Berkeley Institute principal, maths teacher and anti-segregation campaigner Dr Clifford Maxwell set her on her career path.
She added: “My dream was to be a nursery teacher. But Dr Maxwell said I had to teach mathematics because I was able to galvanise all my friends and help them to understand the subject. I attribute everything I have become to him.”
And quality of teaching remains a major part of the school’s ethos.
Ms Douglas said: “It makes a big difference — we have to have top teachers in order to continue with top programmes. We have to ensure pathway for success for all students of all abilities now that we are comprehensive. We have teachers who know all about the guidelines to get students top scholarships.”
Another key ingredient is a programming schedule that helps to connect Bermuda to the rest of the world.
Mr Bridgewater said: “We have to meet guidelines around the curriculum but we reserve the right to go over and above that.
“There was always a focus on internationally recognisable qualifications — we did our RSAs and GCEs and now there are the IGCSEs — because we are trying to create global citizenship.
“Over the last few years under former principal Dr Phyllis Curtis-Tweed we focused on bedding down our international qualifications so there was a big focus on advanced placement for college and dual enrolment with the Bermuda College.”
Ms Douglas added: “I can go to any continent and mention Berkeley Institute and they know what it means.
“I believe that we are, and will continue to be, first choice. It takes strong leadership and programming married with our staff and our ability to have a board that governors and that can make changes.”
Berkeleyite premiers
Sir Edward “E.T.” Richards
Born in Guyana, but came to Bermuda to teach maths at Berkeley in 1930. Later joined the United Bermuda Party, and became the island’s first black government leader in 1971. Two years into his tenure, the position was renamed premier. Retired as premier and from politics in 1975 and died in 1991.
Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks
Attended Berkeley from 1967 to 1971, before leaving aged 16 because she was pregnant with her daughter Veronica. Became a United Bermuda Party senator in 1990, an MP in 1993 and the island’s first female premier in 1997, before serving as Opposition Leader for three years after the UBP lost the 1998 General Election. Retired from politics in 2003.
Dame Jennifer Smith
Part of the Berkeley Class of 1963, along with former finance minister Bob Richards, former health minister Jeanne Atherden and former Progressive Labour Party senator Vince Ingham. A PLP senator or MP from 1980 to 2012, leading the party to its historic 1998 General Election victory to become its first premier, a position she held for five years.
Alex Scott
A Berkeley student from 1951 to 1956. Described the school as his “security blanket” which provided him and other black pupils with exceptional education at a time when the school system and Bermudian society were both rigidly segregated. A Progressive Labour Party MP between 1993 and 2012, and premier from 2003 to 2006.
Ewart Brown
Attended Berkeley in the late 1950s before his parents sent him to live with an aunt in Jamaica. Became a Progressive Labour Party MP in 1993 and premier in 2006, before retiring from politics in 2010.
Paula Cox
A Berkeley student in the late 1970s. A Progressive Labour Party MP from 1996 to 2012, completing a rise through the ranks with a “coronation” as premier in 2010. Bowed out of the House of Assembly when the One Bermuda Alliance gained power in 2012.
• This article was amended to correct an error which said Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks retired from politics in 1998. In fact, Dame Pamela served as Opposition leader from 1998 until 2001, and on the Opposition back benches until her retirement in 2003.
Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame Class
The Berkeley Institute today is proud to announce the Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame Class.
The Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame was established to formally honour the contributions of the many outstanding athletics, coaches, and supporters of the school’s athletic programmes.
The Sports Hall of Fame serves as a symbol of our appreciation of the excellence, distinction, and devotion displayed by these celebrated sports persons.
The Class of Honourees are individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their respective sport at the highest level locally and on the world stage. The inductees which include Donna Raynor, Erika Russell, Stephen Lee (posthumous) and John Barry Nusum Jr. truly embody what sports is all about.
Donna Bean Raynor, Class of 1975, Gold House ~ Athletics
Currently the Senior Project Analyst at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Mrs. Donna Bean Raynor is the daughter of Mrs. Stella and celebrated drummer, Mr. Clarence “Tootsie” Bean.
Donna Bean Raynor attended The Berkeley Institute from 1970 to 1975, and Jackson State University on an athletic scholarship from 1977 until 1981.
While at The Berkeley, the then Donna Bean joined the Bermuda National Track & Field team under famed coach Clive Longe and she is noted for representing Bermuda in a number of Carifta Games competitions. During her Junior and Senior years at Jackson State University she was Captain of the Track team. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and Mathematics with honours.
Donna Bean Raynor’s athletic career has been one of outstanding involvement and commitment.
Here are a few highlights:
In 1988 she came very close to qualifying for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea. In 1989 she achieved a Silver Medal in the Central American and Caribbean Games, and in the same year was awarded Bermuda Youth and Sport Athlete of the Year. In 2001 she founded the Flyers Track Club after retiring from international competition. In 2010 she was the Chef de Mission for the CAC Games in Puerto Rico, a post she held again in 2014. In 2012 she was the Chairperson for the very successful Carifta Games held in Bermuda,and was Team Manager for the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mrs. Raynor was elected President of the Bermuda National Athletics Association in 2010, a post she continues to hold.
The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours Mrs. Donna Raynor, Gold House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
Erika Russell, Class of 1995, Green House ~ Football and Netball
Ms. Erika Russell is an all-round exceptional athlete and educator who has competed in Bermuda and internationally in karate (which she began at the age of 3), football, netball, cross country, track & field, and basketball events. She also spent more than 10 years as a dancer and stage performer with the Russian School of Ballet, the Jackson School of Dance and United Dance Productions.
Ms Russell attended The Berkeley Institute from 1990 until 1995, where she was an outstanding student, remaining on the Honour Roll for all five years, while also achieving a number of sports leadership roles. From 1995 until 1999 she attended Thomas College in Waterville, Maine on a partial soccer scholarship, graduating cum laude (with honours) with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Sports Management and Marketing Management, returning to work at The Berkeley as a teacher, an institution she credits with providing her with excellent preparation for sports and academics in college and beyond.
Other overwhelmingly positive lifelong influences have included her mother, Mrs. Kathleen Ingham-Nesbitt, as well as Mr. Cal Simons of Bermuda Pacers, Mrs. Beverly Brock, Ms Suzette Harvey, and Mrs. Marva Trott.
Some of Erika Russell’s many outstanding achievements are:
1995 - Co-captain of Berkeley’s Senior All-Star Basketball Team
1995-1999 - Winner of U.S. National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Play-
Off Record for most steals in a play-off basketball game
1997 - Co-Captain of the Thomas College Terriers Football team; selected for the
UMBRO National Soccer Coaches Association of America Team
2000-2001 – Member of the Women’s National Football Squad; scored the winning
goal for Bermuda vs Jamaica in 2001
2003 – Member of the Bermuda Women’s National Netball Team
2008 – Recipient of the “90 Trailblazers in Education Award” from the Bermuda
Union of Teachers
2010 – Educator for the ‘Spirit of Bermuda’ sail training vessel Overseas Skiller
Trans-Atlantic Expedition
Ms Russell continues to contribute to women’s athletic success by coaching the Lady Bluebirds Netball Team, and was awarded Coach of the Year for 2011-2012, among other significant accomplishments. As an educator, she has taught with dedication at the primary, middle and secondary school levels and is presently Community Education Coordinator at the Department of Workforce Development.
The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours Erika Russell, Green House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
John Barry Nusum Jr., Class of 1998, Green House ~ Football
Born in New York to Bermudian parents, John Barry Nusum spent his childhood in Bermuda and attended The Berkeley Institute from 1993 to 1998, where he was Head Boy from 1997-98. Mr. Nusum’s football training began at the early age of 5 years when he joined Wolves Football Club, to which he returned in adulthood as player/manager in 2011. His online biography characterizes him as a retired football player, but his outstanding career in football has continued in the arena of coaching.
In 1998 he left Bermuda to attend Furman University in South Carolina where he played college soccer, was named All American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America three times, and his record as Furman’s all-time leader in goals scored (61) and points (161) still stands. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science in 2002.
Beyond university, John Barry Nusum entered into professional football in North American and played for the Atlanta Silverbacks Football Club, the Toronto Lynx, the Virginia Beach Mariners, and the Crystal Palace Baltimore Football Club. Mr. Nusum also played indoor soccer for the Philadelphia KiXX in the Major Indoor Soccer League where he won Rookie of the Year in his first season. His first-class football talent and skills have also been evident on home ground where he has played for Bermuda’s National Under 21 and National Football Teams, as well as Bermuda Hogges, Wolves and Robin Hood. Mr. Nusum returned to Bermuda in 2007 following an ACL (knee) reconstruction.
These days, John Barry Nusum fulfills his goal of inspiring Bermuda’s youth to be the best that they can be not only through his position as Physical Education and Sociology Teacher and Year 10 Coordinator at Saltus Grammar School, but also by coaching the Bermuda Under 15 National Football Team, assisting with the Senior National Team and in his post as the Head Coach at Robin Hood Football Club.
The Berkeley Institute congratulates and honours John Barry NusumJr., Green House, as a Sports Hall of Fame Inductee.
Stephen Lee, Class of 2005, Gold House ~ Varsity Basketball
(Posthumous)
Stephen Andrew Lee was born on September 13, 1986 into a family that included four brothers and one sister.
At The Berkeley he excelled in athletics as a middle and long distance runner and represented his school at Interschool meets. Stephen had a natural endurance which was envied by all of his competitors. This ability served him well in his basketball career as well. He followed in the footsteps of his brother and father to become a very talented ball player. He was left-handed with a quick first step and this gave him unique advantages. This talent took him to foreign countries to represent his School.
His basketball family remembers him as a talented player who could “run all day!” Stephen would play anywhere, including the Old Berkeley Gymnasium during lunch breaks where the hoops were around six inches higher than anywhere else on the island, and at CedarBridge Academy in weekend Leagues.
Stephen graduated with his peers and teammates in The Berkeley Class of 2005.
Stephen left an impression on a great number of individuals. He gave inspiration to many young people through his email and text messages. Older folk have also remarked about how he would engage them in encouraging conversations. Stephen was a leader, a motivator, and an exceptional player who was first on the list of every coach’s team sheet.
Tragically, Stephen succumbed to the injuries he sustained in a fatal bike accident very shortly after graduating from The Berkeley.
Stephen’s life will stand as a shining example for future Berkeleyites for years to come. An outstanding student, friend and team- mate, a remarkable brother and son, and an excellent athlete who always gave his everything on the field of play.
Today, we are honoured to posthumously induct Stephen Andrew Lee into The Berkeley Institute Sports Hall of Fame.
Respice Finem ~ Keep the End in View!
For further information, contact Necheeka Trott, at 333-9010 or necheeka.trott@gmail.com.
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Monday, September 10, 2018
The Principal, teachers and staff are excited today to welcome more than 670 students to The Berkeley Institute for the 2018-2019 academic year.
Hundreds of students will be transitioning from Bermuda’s private and public schools to embark upon their senior school education.
The Berkeley Institute has provided exceptional educational opportunities for students for 120 years and we are delighted to facilitate the most important part of students’ educational journeys- attending Senior School with us here at The Berkeley Institute. Principal, Ms. Keisha Douglas notes:
We are a diverse senior school with a rich heritage and tradition of excellence, providing a stimulating learning environment that prepares students to lead full and purposeful lives and to assume leadership roles in both the local and global communities.
Our primary responsibility, through excellence in teacher performance, is student success and offering all students varied programming and educational opportunities that will maximize their potential.
Chairman of the Governing Body of The Berkeley Institute, Mr. Craig Bridgewater added:
On behalf of The Berkeley Board of Governors, we would like to welcome back students, faculty and staff for another academic year. Although students have been on recess for July and August, the administration has been very busy preparing for the commencement of the 2018-19 academic year and building on the academic successes that were celebrated at the end of June with the graduation exercises that recognised 131 graduates who continued on to colleges and universities in Bermuda, throughout the UK, USA and Canada, and placements with the Rotary Exchange and Up With People, or took up employment opportunities. Our graduates also earned several thousands of dollars in recognised scholarships that will help them achieve their academic destinies.
In preparation for the new academic year, the Administration has been busy on recruitment and training of the necessary teaching resources, improvements and annual maintenance of our campus, and scheduling and advising students on course selections. Importantly, Berkeley offered students the opportunity for enrichment with the execution of The Berkeley Accelerated Summer Institute (BASI), for the first time, in which students were offered the opportunity to earn additional senior school credits that will accelerate their achievement of their academic goals. Courses were offered in mathematics, English and sciences with over 50 students earning early credits.
The Board is extremely proud and supportive of the administration, faculty and staff who contribute immensely to the offerings at The Berkeley Institute and offer them and our students our best wishes for the 2018-19 academic year.
We take this opportunity to encourage all parents to support their children in this exciting period of their development. All members of The Berkeley family are committed to student success and we look forward to working with all stakeholders!
Respice Finem ~ Keep the End in View!
For further information, contact Craig Bridgewater, at 294-2647, 524-9608 or cbridgewater@kpmg.bm.
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Smart stock pickers: pictured, from left, are Wanda Armstrong, project lead of the KPMG Investment Challenge; members of Berkeley Institute’s KPMG Investment Challenge winning team, Twin Tech Bulls, Zahkari Minors, Casey Hardtman and Taye Lamb; Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education; Twin Tech Bulls’ Kiarah Seon and Tyler Trott; and Steven Woodward, managing director and head of KPMG Enterprise (Photograph supplied)
Berkeley Institute students won the annual KMPG Investment Challenge for schools.
The competition, contested by 16 teams from seven schools across the island, involves students being given a virtual $100,000 portfolio to manage. They select stocks to invest in and adjust their portfolio during the span of the six-month competition.
The ceremony took place at the City Hall and Arts Centre where the winning team was awarded a $10,000 cheque that will be donated to their school.
Berkeley students proved to be the master stock pickers, with teams in first and third place.
Berkeley team Twin Tech Bulls topped the rankings with an impressive return of 13.88 per cent which left their portfolio valued at $113,876, while third-placed Knock Your Socks Off had a return of 9.11 per cent leaving their portfolio valued at $109,105.
In second place was Warwick Academy team, the Warwick Wolfpack, with a return of 13.02 per cent and a final portfolio value of $113,023, who won a cash prize for their school of $6,000.
Because each school was allowed to win only one cash prize, the award for third place went to the fourth-placed team, which was the Bermuda Institute team, BI Cash Cows, who received $4,000 for their school.
The Berkeley team and everyone involved with it, were thrilled with their award and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
Zahkari Minors, of The Twin Tech Bulls team, said: “This competition was a great investment into the insurance industry. A win was to be expected from the start because our team was strong.”
Fellow team member Tyler Trott said he was excited and feels a sense of accomplishment.
Kiarah Seon said: “I believe our hard work and diligence is the reason why we persevered the way we did and we hope to have the same opportunities in the future.”
Team-mate Taye Lamb wasn’t confident at first, but is excited about the win, while Casey Hardtman said the team performed well from the start.
Berkeley Institute teacher Wade Herman is happy for his students. “I picked these students, because they have been with me from S1 and they have good potential,” Mr Herman said. “So I entered them in the competition and we had conversations about what were the good stocks to buy. I saw that they got into their own element and had victory.”
Wanda Armstrong, project lead of the KPMG Investment Challenge, was impressed by the students who participated this year.
“This year was the KPMG Investment Challenge’s 13th annual awards, and I can say that the 16 teams that were involved were very challenging and engaged — they had so much enthusiasm,” she said.
KPMG mentors played a key role in the challenge by visiting the schools and providing students with advice on investing.
Ms Armstong added: “I have been with the challenge for eight years as project manager and every year it gets better and better.” She explained that the competition is a gateway to a future career within KPMG.
“Students who participate get summer internships within KPMG which will lead to work experience, then eventually can start working with a summer internship. “Eventually some will be hired as full-time accountants within KPMG,” she added.
Steven Woodward, managing director and head of KPMG Enterprise, said he was impressed with the quality of the students who had taken part in the competition — this year and in the past.
“We just want to get them thinking of a career in finance or something within the investment industry,” Mr Woodward said.
“We are using it as a way of getting into KPMG. If you look at the current staff we have they are studying for their accountant designations and many of them have participated in the KPMG Investment Challenge in the past.”
The six-month challenge started in October and concluded at the end of April.
• For more information on the KPMG Investment Challenge, contact Wanda Armstrong at wandaarmstrong@kpmg.bm
Marsh and Guy Carpenter has taken on a work experience student from the Berkeley Institute for a 12-week placement, as part of the Career Pathways Programme.
Cairi Albuoy, a 16-year-old Berkeley Institute student, was selected to undertake the placement in which he will rotate through the four different Marsh & McLennan businesses in Bermuda: Marsh Captive Solutions, Bowring Marsh, Guy Carpenter and The Schinnerer Group.
Cairi and his mentor, Arthur Jones, Vice President at Bowring Marsh
The company said, “Cairi was chosen for the placement with Marsh and Guy Carpenter because of his keen interest in the insurance and reinsurance industry.
“One day a week until mid-May, Cairi will work half days at the companies and will have the opportunity to learn first-hand how an international business operates and receive in-depth exposure to various aspects of the insurance industry.
“The Career Pathways Programme is a career-based training initiative between The Department of Education, Bermuda College, and industry partners, such as the Association of Bermuda International Companies, of which Marsh and Guy Carpenter are a member, and it is a graduation requirement for students at Berkeley.”
“We are committed to encouraging young Bermudians to consider insurance and reinsurance as potential career choices” said Chris Reeves, Managing Director of Marsh, and Country Corporate Officer of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Bermuda. “We look forward to sharing our knowledge with Cairi.”
Tammisha R. Francis-Wainwright, Career Pathways Coordinator at Berkeley Institute, said: “We are grateful to Marsh and Guy Carpenter for their support of the Career Pathways programme, which enables our students to get invaluable insight into potential future careers. This is an exciting opportunity for Cairi to gain hands-on experience of what working life is like in an international business.”
Berkeley Institute students are in first and second place in the KPMG Investment Challenge.
The competition, contested by 16 teams from seven schools across the island, involves students being given a virtual $100,000 portfolio to manage. They select stocks to invest in and adjust their portfolio when necessary.
The six-month challenge started in November.
Berkeley Institute team Twin Tech Bulls are at the top of the board with an impressive return of 25.41 per cent, which leaves their portfolio valued at $125,410. Meanwhile, fellow Berkeley team Knock Ya Stocks Off is in second place with a return of 12.94 per cent. The team’s portfolio at the end of January was valued at $112,940.
The students said they are very happy about being in the lead, and yesterday they shared their reasons for signing up for the challenge.
Tyler Trott, who is in the Twin Tech Bulls team, said he got involved because he was interested in stocks and to know what it looks like.
Zahkari Minors jokingly mentioned that he joined this year because he saw that the other guys were struggling and needed help, while team-mate Casey Hardtman signed up to try something different.
Tyrese Coakley said the students have learnt a lot. He explained that you need to always be watching the markets worldwide and keep an eye open for changes.
Andreaz Glasgow said that although he has learnt a lot, he wouldn’t pursue investment as a full-time career, as it requires too much dedication to watch stocks constantly, he would still invest.
Likewise, Khaled Daley and Yasser Bara said they will invest in the future but not make it a full-time career.
Taye Lambe and Kiarah Seon, two of the Twin Tech Bulls team, were not present for the interview.
The KPMG Investment Challenge ends in April.
The Berkeley Institute has dominated the early weeks of the KPMG Investment Challenge.
The competition, contested by 17 teams from seven schools across the island, involves students being given a virtual $100,000 portfolio to manage.
The six-month challenge began at the start of November and the first standings show all three Berkeley teams in the top four most successful teams.
As of December 8, Twin Tech Bulls were the clear leaders with an impressive return of 6.14 per cent over the opening weeks, leaving their portfolio valued at $106,143.
Fellow Berkeley team Gucci Gang were second in the standings with a 3.14 per cent return, while Warwick Wolfpack, from Warwick Academy, were third with a 1.68 per cent gain.
The third Berkeley team in the competition, Knock Ya Stocks Off, was hard on their heels with a 1.61 per cent return, just 0.01 per cent clear of MSADragons, from Mount Saint Agnes Academy.
The Royal Gazette will be charting the progress of the young virtual investors over the coming weeks as they vie for cash prizes for their schools.
