Bacardi Limited has launched a new annual $20,000 scholarship to provide financial assistance to a Bermudian student majoring in accounting at an accredited university or college overseas.

The company will also award two annual $5,000 bursaries for the same course of study at accredited institutions overseas.

The $20,000 Bacardi Limited Undergraduate Scholarship Award, renewable up to four years, presents a two pronged education initiative by Bacardi to ensure that Bermudians are represented among the Island?s world-renowned accounting profession. The programme includes the scholarship and a paid summer internship during the course of study at Bacardi?s corporate headquarters in Hamilton.

?The largest group of non Bermudians working on the island is in the accounting field,? Ralph Morera, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Bacardi Limited said.

?Bacardi wants to ensure that more Bermudians have the opportunity to study and become qualified accountants and then return to the island where the local economy and businesses will benefit from their skills.?

Bacardi will also offer two overseas education bursaries of $5,000 each, renewable for two years, to provide financial assistance to Bermudian students pursuing a first undergraduate degree in accounting at an accredited university or college overseas.

?Bermuda has a severe shortage of students studying and professionals working in the accounting field,? Minister of Education and Development Terry Lister said. ?We applaud Bacardi?s new scholarship and grant initiatives and its past commitments to support a vital part of our economy and workforce ? our island?s future accountants.? To be eligible for the scholarship or bursaries, students must have completed a minimum one year of post secondary education locally, i.e. at Bermuda College or one of the local high schools offering post secondary programmes or at an accredited institution overseas.

Additionally, the scholarship and bursaries will be granted to students demonstrating excellent academic skills, community involvement, leadership ability, and acute financial need. The application deadline is April, 30.

To receive detailed requirements and application forms for the Bacardi Limited Scholarship Award and/or the Overseas Education Bursaries, contact the Scholarship Secretary Alana Rogers with Bacardi?s Human Resources And Administration Department at (441) 295-4345 or via email at anrogersbacardi.com. Bacardi regularly supports and contributes to a variety of educational and developmental programs, including a contribution of $15,000 to the Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) Education Awards.

The company also provides a $10,000 contribution as part of Knowledge Quest to further empower academically capable and financially needy Bermudians with the opportunity to earn undergraduate and advanced degrees.