More ‘STEP’ up at HLSCC

The successful students (from left, front) Ranan Kayed, Reneta Gerald, Kezia Elizee and Janelle Scatliffe. (From second left, back) Rochelle Smith, Marsha Mitchell and Nedy Ador Dionicio. Deputy Chair of STEP BVI Vanessa King and FSI Director Andrew Burns

Seven persons in the local financial services industry were presented with the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners Foundation Certificate and Diploma in International Trust Management during a brief ceremony on Wednesday, June 15 at the office of law firm O’Neal Webster in Road Town.

 The course was offered through H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s Financial Services Institute (FSI) at Paraquita Bay. This figure follows another 11 who completed the programme at the FSI in November last year.

On hand to present the certificates and congratulatory remarks were Director of the FSI, Andrew Burns, who was instructor for the course, and Partner of O’Neal Webster Vanessa King, who serves as Deputy Chair of the British Virgin Islands Branch of STEP.

Burns said the students have taken a positive and progressive step toward obtaining professional qualifications for their respective roles as trust practitioners in the BVI.

He said the programme, which defines standards, levels of expertise and codes of professionalism in the international trust arena, has received acclaim as a highly relevant and well presented course with first class study materials and facilities.

King called on the students to take advantage of the opportunities that STEP offers to become even better qualified and equipped to perform as professionals in the industry, particularly in the area of trust administration.

Through the FSI, HLSCC aims to develop intellectual capital in the BVI by creating an incubator of excellence to prepare capable students for career enhancement and progression with professional qualifications. The course is offered in collaboration with the London-based Central Law Training, one of the largest providers of professional education worldwide.

STEP, which was formed in 1999, is the globally recognised qualification for trust practitioners, and is an organisation committed to continuing professional development.