Nassau, Bahamas - On the heels of the first ever Majority Rule Holiday and as South Africa celebrates twenty (20) years of freedom, Starlight Global and the South African High Commission honoured the life of former South African President, the late Nelson Mandela for his devotion to the fight for freedom and his contribution to humanity. Starlight Global recognizes the vital role played by key figures in the Bahamas in the release of Mr. Nelson Mandela from prison.

Andbank following its path to making a difference in difficult times

Andbank is a bank headquartered in Andorra and owned by the third generation of two families. It was founded over 80 years ago in 1930 with the singular vision of establishing social and economic success in Andorra by driving endeavors in business, culture and sports during a worldwide economic depression. Soon over the course of the 20th century, Andbank became a backbone in the local Andorran economy. Today, Mr. Cerqueda, one of the two owners, has taken the vision of the bank internationally – first investing in The Bahamas in 2001 and now establishing a full-service private bank with same principle of driving successful entrepreneurs. Once more in a difficult economic global environment, Andbank has taken a different step than most other banks and doubled the number of staff in The Bahamas following its path in history in believing to make a difference despite difficult times.

What attracted you to the sector?

After having worked a couple of years in

various banking back-office functions, including e-business and legal and compliance, I wanted to make the switch into the front office in order to merge two of my passions: people and global finance. Without any experience or initial education in the finance sector, various managers looking to hire would close the door on me, one after the other. One manager, after having interviewed me, decided to give me a chance.

Minister of Financial Services, the Hon. Ryan Pinder (second right) joins Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) executives in presenting the Professional of the Year Award to Relationship Manager and Director at Julius Baer Bank and Trust (Bahamas) Limited, Mr. Werner H. Gruner, during the BFSB 12th Annual Financial Services Industry Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, held at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort.

Sample Haitian coffee, sip local brews and indulge in delicious seafood. With art and craft on display, there’s something for everyone, and all roads will definitely lead to the 17th Annual International Cultural Festival.

Twenty-three countries and 140 booths strong is what will be showcased this weekend at the Botanical Gardens in Chippingham, with approximately 25,000 people expected to swarm through the gates over the course of Saturday and Sunday.

Under the distinguished patronage of Their Excellencies The governor General and Lady Foulkes, the Antiquities, Monuments and Museum Corporation (AMMC) launched a series of fundraising activities under the theme “Great Affairs” towards the establishment of the National Museum of The Bahamas at Collins House.

This very successful event took the format of the concert “An Evening of Popular Classical Music” in the Ballroom of Government House on Friday 24th February 2012.

There is no doubt that The Bahamas is beautiful. It is an archipelago of its own kind – home to 700 islands and oceanic wildlife seen nowhere else in the world; it is a distinctly cosmopolitan centre filled with a myriad of colours and life that is better experienced than described.

South Africa hopes to install an honorary consul for the Bahamas to further strengthen ties between the two countries. There is particular interest in the Freeport shipping sector with a view of possible utilisation for South Africa.

Since they established their diplomatic relations after the end of apartheid in 1994, South Africa and the Bahamas have been working towards stronger economic and cultural ties.

The adage "there is a big difference between a business idea and a business opportunity" is the basis for the Business Insights session at the Bahamas Financial Services Board's (BFSB) 2011 International Business & Finance Summit (IBFS).