Those succeeding in obtaining insurance designations must pass their knowledge onto the next generation, Finance Minister Paula Cox said at the Bermuda Insurance Institute?s annual awards lunch yesterday.

Ms Cox (pictured) was among the guests attending the event at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess where she congratulated students who have successfully gained a professional insurance designation during the past year.

Dr. Andrew Brimmer, the Finance Ministry?s principal economic adviser, also attended as well as leading insurance executives.

This year 68 certificates were awarded to 61 individuals for 12 different designations. They are for courses ranging from the introductory to advanced levels and Ms Cox congratulated the students, most of whom work full time, study in their free time and juggle family or personal commitments.

?You are young, gifted and qualified and you represent a new generation of heroes. You must believe in yourself and now it?s your turn to get down to business to do your job to the best of your ability,? Ms Cox said.

?We cannot justify apathy and inaction, you have qualified yourself for the international business economy but the challenge is to help your neighbour equip themselves to participate in the global economy.?

Ms Cox said there are two conflicting realities about the Island?s economic development and the elitist one suggests the Island has no social problems and there should be no change to the status quo.

The second reality is that all human beings, regardless of race, religion and culture must have genuine opportunities for advancement.

?There is no secret to success and the streets are not paved with gold but there is simple formula in a four letter word ... work. You have a responsibility to build our temples for tomorrow and your success must be passed on the next generation.?