The Association of Bermuda International Companies (Abic) has released a “thank you” video to mark its 50th anniversary, featuring well-known businesspeople and politicians, and young Bermudians embarking on their career in international business.

David Burt, the Premier, Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, and Cole Simons, the Leader of the Opposition, are among those who speak on the short film, which was produced in conjunction with Uber Super Duper, a Bermudian creative studio.

Abic began life as the International Companies Division of the Chamber of Commerce in 1971. Today it has 113 member companies and serves as the voice of international business.

Abic also operates Bermuda’s largest scholarship programme, the Abic Education Awards, which is funded by member companies.

Over the past 44 years, ABICEA has awarded scholarships to more than 700 Bermudian students pursuing undergraduate or graduate education in areas related to international business.

Among the businesspeople featured in the video are Cyril Whitter, president and chief executive officer, Independent Management Limited; George Hutchings, senior vice-president and chief operating officer, OIL Insurance Limited; Kirsten Beasley, head of office, Bermuda, Willis Towers Watson; and Christian Dunleavy, chief executive officer, Aspen Bermuda Limited.

Abic chairman Patrick Tannock said: “To mark this special anniversary, we wanted to emphasise how international business is not only a significant driver of the economy, but also an integral part of the Bermuda community — to whom we express our gratitude in the video.

“The fortunes of international business are intertwined with those of Bermuda. The sector’s success has a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy. A thriving international business segment provides great career opportunities for young Bermudians, while the industry needs a strong pipeline of local talent to ensure its sustainability.

“At Abic we strive to improve access and opportunity for our young people from all backgrounds to participate fully in international business through our scholarship programme to support their education and through the internship and mentoring opportunities provided by our member companies.”

Through partnerships with regulatory, government and professional organisations, Abic works to promote and preserve a sound business environment for the international business and the Bermuda community, and to ensure that Bermuda continues as the business domicile of choice.

Abic is also committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and works to encourage member companies’ efforts to increase diversity at all levels of their organisations and to ensure inclusive work environments with equitable treatment, respect and fairness.

The video can be seen here

For more information, visit https://abic.bm