Finance Minister Paula Cox got a warm reception from insurance industry delegates in Boston yesterday, as she headed the Bermuda delegation in what has become a traditional walkabout at the RIMS annual conference.

Ms Cox said in an interview that it was important that the Island should have a meaningful presence at the Risk and Insurance Management Society's annual showpiece, as "you should never take your partners for granted".

Thousands of corporate insurance buyers are mingling with representatives of insurance companies and brokers this week in the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Last year, numbers at RIMS — then held in Orlando — were impacted by the economic downturn, as many companies clamped down on corporate travel.

Ms Cox said that judging from the comments she had heard from organisers and delegates, numbers were up this year by roughly 25 percent. During the walkabout, Ms Cox stopped off for cup of coffee at the Lloyd's booth and met young Bermudian student Jahvon Washington at the St. John's University exhibit.

Mr. Washington is about to graduate from St. John's and told Ms Cox of how he will then return to the Island to work for Chartis.

The Minister said his example was one that other young Bermudians in search of a good career could follow.

Asked whether she thought the insurance industry had done enough to make young Bermudians aware of the opportunities within it, she said: "The industry has made itself available to work with Bermuda College and through ABIC, ABIR and Business Bermuda, the message has been clearly communicated that there are great opportunities in international business.

"There comes a point when once you provide the opportunities, it's up to us to seize them. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."

From companies' viewpoint, there was a clear cost benefit in hiring Bermudians, though it would still be necessary to hire from overseas to acquire those with the most specialised skills, she added.

Ms Cox spent some time at the distinctive Bermuda booth, designed to reflect the Island's unique architectural style, and fitted with an upstairs meeting place.

She said RIMS presented the Island with much more than public relations opportunities — there were genuine business inquiries too.

Last night, Ms Cox was due to speak at the Bermuda reception, hosted by the Island at a Boston venue.