The International Association of Business Leaders has named Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield as one of the top ten finalists of its International Business Leader of the Year Award.

The winner will be announced on Saturday night at the IABL?s Annual Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Government spokesperson, Valerie Pethen yesterday said that Minister Butterfield?s selection places her among an elite group of individuals who represent a remarkable range of professional interests, yet share a common bond in their relentless efforts to make their organisation, their community, their country and the world a better place. These individuals were selected from more than 7,500 nominees.

In February last year, Ms Butterfield was one of a select group to be honoured with membership in the International Association of Business Leaders.

Ms Pethen said Ms Butterfield?s selection as a finalist for the prestigious International Business Leader of the Year award is in recognition of her contribution to Bermuda society.

It is also an acknowledgement that she shares IABL?s vision to promote understanding and respect between different cultures and communities around the world. Ms Butterfield has led an active life in business, community activities and politics for more than 20 years.

She founded a computer-based alternative learning centre, CARE (Children and Adults Reaching for Education) to provide opportunities for students to achieve academic success through non-traditional methods. CARE has helped more than 400 adults graduate with a high-school diploma and taught more than 250 inmates in the Island?s correctional facilities.

Ms Butterfield was Bermudian of the Year in 1988 and earned the Community Service Award from the Bermuda Business and Professional Women?s Club in 1989.