Bermudians will be able to get help and advice with their financial situation thanks to a new Treasure Hunt marketing programme being launched next month.

The game works by contestants simply buying a ticket bearing a clue and solving it, which will lead them to another clue and so on until they get all the answers correct, either on their own or through the Internet, with a range of prizes on offer.

Arthur Clinton Brangman, president and CEO of Global Service Brokerage Group, Clyde Bassett, vice-president and Sylvia Gibbons, administrator, all former insurance agents, came up with the idea which they believe will assist locals with their finances.

They are now looking to recruit new full and part-time staff - the reverse of what many companies are doing during the current global economic crisis. The company will be working in collaboration with partners Bermuda Investors Group and Idotec.

"It is one of the most exciting games that is going to be produced here in Bermuda," said Mr. Brangman. "It is Island-wide, family-orientated, for business people, exempt companies, churches and schools and there is even a special programme for cruise ship passengers.

"The Treasure Hunt clues are based around historical things that we have to actually go out and look for or find someone who knows the answer and mathematical stuff from the schools."

The initiative is open to people aged 14 and above and membership costs $30 for one year and $50 for two years, with an identity badge being issued to each member, explained Mr. Brangman.

They can take part in the daily competition for $2, weekly for $10 or monthly at $40, with tickets available at retail stores and gas stations and the official launch taking place with a weekly hunt with five clues on March 30, leading up to a grand prize at the end of the month.

The winners will be announced in The Royal Gazette, on the radio and at the company's website, with sponsors putting up a variety of awards from cash prizes and food vouchers for the daily programme, travel vouchers for the weekly competition and money, cars, motorcycles and airline tickets to Las Vegas for the monthly one. Meanwhile, the tourist package will offer taxi rides, bus tours and rental bikes.

In taking part in the Treasure Hunt, participants will be required to do a short survey to provide information for Global Service Brokerage Group's clients, advertisers and sponsors, such as exempt companies, banks, care and bike dealers, said Mr. Brangman.

"We understand times here are hard at the moment," he said. "This is basically our main marketing tool for the business and our corporate sponsors and our clients and we are putting together a database of information that will help our clients in sales and management.

"Through our business we do shipping and service brokerage and it is quite timely right now because in each situation our service brokerage can help many people out of debt and take care of certain individuals who are in a situation out of their control.

"By doing the Treasure Hunt, we are delivering this service in a fun and exciting way to Bermuda." said Mr. Brangman, who works for the Heritage Educational Fund International and has an insurance licence with British American Insurance, as well as having done brokering for British American, BF&M and Diamond Co.

Ms Gibbons, who is a former life insurance agent, having also worked for British American Insurance and Colonial, has run her own business and has a background in public relations, hotel service and the sales industry. Mr. Bassett worked for Sun Life for 10 years.

The company is on the lookout for a total of 45 sales, shipping account, real estate, marketing, Internet shopping and telecommunications representatives, financial services agents and personal service brokers with training offered on the job. Successful applicants will be taken on for three months on a commission basis to prove themselves.

The sales, marketing, accounts and service broker representative products include the Treasure Hunt marketing programme, E-biss, Bermuda International Shipping Services, personal service brokerage memberships, telecommunications products, scratch off marketing, US incorporations and financial services.

To apply for a position call 599-3739 or 541-6126 or email customerservice@idotec.com or sylviag@northrock.bm and leave your name and contact details.