Some 130 attendees were at the launch of the Special Topics in Insurance: Foundations of Bermuda’s International Re/Insurance Sector Lecture Series, which was jointly hosted by the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, Bermuda College, and St John’s University.

Finance minister Curtis Dickinson provided opening remarks. He reiterated Government’s commitment to prepare young people and the entire community for the future in an industry pivotal to Bermuda’s economic growth, development, and success.

He said: “This is an exciting opportunity,” and urged participants to “get comfortable with the uncomfortable”.

Mr Dickinson said Bermuda was a well-regulated and well-respected jurisdiction, envied by other jurisdictions. He praised the initiative as a timely and relevant contribution to creating a pipeline of local talent in an industry that is rapidly evolving. He also commended Abir for its commitment to Bermuda and Bermudians to develop and establish diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in talent development.

Marc Grandisson, president and chief executive officer of Arch Capital, and incoming chairman of Abir, said all Bermuda should be proud of how the Government had managed the economy through the Covid climate, also drawing reference to Bermuda’s stellar reputation as the world’s risk insurance capital, and predicting it will likely remain so for the next two to three years.

He spoke of the transformation of the industry after 25 years, noting that re/insurance is now more about data analysis, artificial intelligence, and bitcoins, requiring young talent with a wide range of skill sets that could counter threats such as cybersecurity and phishing. Knowledge is powerful. Education, he said, is at the core of it all.

Attendance for the first day of the lecture series surpassed the organisers expectations. Dr Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, vice-president of academic and student affairs at the college, said: “We are pleased that the credit component of this pilot is fully subscribed, and that so many people are auditing the lectures, free of charge. Anyone can still audit the lectures and I invite you to sign up.”

Special Topics in Insurance (INS 2298): Foundations of Bermuda’s International Re/Insurance Sector is held every Monday from 6pm to 9pm via Zoom. The lectures feature local and international experts in the field, and are facilitated by the college’s senior economic lecturer, Craig Simmons.

Bermudian Cathy Duffy, country leader of Bermuda AIG, will be the guest lecturer on Monday, on “The Evolution of International Insurance in Bermuda”.

For details on auditing the course, visit https://www.college.bm/news-events/35-events/1007-abir-course or contact Paul Hardtman at phardtman@college.bm