Shadow Human Affairs Minister Rolfe Commissiong this morning welcomed news that Sun Life International will be expanding operations in Bermuda.

In a statement, Mr Commissiong responded to last week’s announcement that the firm intends to double staff on the Island while launching an international training programme for Bermudians, calling it a “win-win” model which he hopes will be emulated by other companies.

“Bermuda has been a key global head office for Sun Life for some time,” Mr Commissiong said. “The news that Sun Life is not only seeking to grow its business and employment levels in Bermuda, but more specifically that they are also making a substantial commitment to the training of young Bermudians in order to meet the global company’s future employment needs is laudable.

“We believe that the above represents a win-win for Bermuda in terms of workforce development, and we encourage its emulation by those companies that are either looking to domicile here and/or companies already present who may also be seeking to expand their workforces as economic conditions improve.

“We also believe that the government in this regard should actively ensure that locally based companies are cognisant of the need to invest in the training and preparation of Bermudian talent; as this too represents good ‘Corporate Citizenship’, sound business sense and moreover, promotes social stability.

“We believe in Bermudians and we hope that more Bermudian based companies will do the same and follow the examples being set by Sun Life and some of their corporate peers in this regard.”