Capital G Bank has announced that it has appointed Mr. Andrew Parsons (pictured) as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Parsons, who is currently the treasurer of BELCO Holdings Ltd. and the senior vice president of Corporate Services for the Bermuda Electric Light Company, will also serve as chairman of the bank's Audit Committee

In his career with the BELCO Group Mr. Parsons has held a variety of posts, including corporate secretary for the BELCO Holdings Ltd. Group of Companies and manager of information technology for the Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited. Mr. Parsons is the immediate past president of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda.

Several Bermudian members of the have achieved diplomas or been made a 'Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers'.

They are: Marguerite Lovell, who recently achieved a trust and estate diploma; president of the Bermuda chapter Kim Roberts and Denise James, who has achieved an ACIB/Bachelor of Science degree, to become an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers; John Baxter and Dinah Sinnock, who were each recently named as a 'Fellow of Chartered Institute of Bankers'. John MacDonald also achieved a trust and estate diploma.

The Institute of Financial Services is the official brand of the Chartered Institute of Bankers ? the name was changed a couple of years ago to reflecta broader range of educational offerings outside of banking itself.IFS is reportedly one of the leading providers of education and career support services in the financial services industry and the Bermuda chapter works to provide assistance to those studying for and writing examinations in pursuit of IFIS professional designations. yesterday announced that more than $600,000 had been donated to six Bermuda charities in the second quarter of 2004.

Foundation secretary David Lang said: " Bank of Bermuda Foundation is anxious to contribute to the betterment of our community and is pleased to partner with Bermuda charities and support their endeavours that help and improve the lives of everyone on our Island."

The Foundation said it had supported many charitable initiatives during the second quarter of 2004, but listed below are those charities that were granted the most substantial grants ? $25,000 or more ? and the reasons the foundation chose to : The foundation said it had chosen to support this charity because it provides a positive, nurturing and supportive environment for young men in this community. The Club was said to offer individual and group consultation, workshops and seminars that help participants learn to balance their social, spiritual, emotional and mental needs to ultimately help them to become responsible and productive members of the community..The foundation chose to support the Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme because it gives every young person in Bermuda the opportunity to participate in a programme that includes expeditions, skills development incorporating cultural, vocational or manual skills, physical recreation and residential projects. Through these activities, the programme helps to promote civic responsibility, teamwork and self-discipline and life skills that can be used to guide our young people throughout their lives. Bermuda's young people face many challenges and are expected to make difficult life decisions at an early age. The bank said it supports PRIDE Bermuda because it works diligently to educate and empower the Island's youth to adopt healthy lifestyles.

PRIDE offers drug and alcohol prevention programmes to middle and elementary schools, and conferences, special events, forums and workshops to our youth and adults. The foundation said: "Bermuda's youth should all have the opportunity to develop their intellectual curiosity, physical well being, moral values, self-esteem, appreciation and expression and interpersonal skills in an exciting learning environment. Through the enhancement and expansion of their educational facilities, Saltus Grammar School can continue to support and develop their diverse programmes that provide students with excellent educational opportunities that will assist them in becoming the successful leaders of tomorrow."The foundation said:Our Olympic athletes are an inspiration to all of us and we are proud to support them as they represent Bermuda in the 2004 Olympic Games which is being held in Athens, Greece.

"Sports are a vital component in the development of a well-rounded community and we are pleased to support sports at all levels."Preservation of our history is important for future generations, the foundation said. To this end it has chosen to support the State House, located on King Street in St. George's, as one of the oldest standing stone structures erected by English colonists in the New World.

"The restoration and improvement project initiated by the Old State House Preservation Society will restore the structure, while preserving the external appearance and will help to reinstate The State House as an important historical landmark within the St. George's World Heritage Site," the foundation said.