programme is now on a solid foundation, say local members of the Bermuda chapter of the Society of Management Accountants.

During the first four years of the Bermuda programme, which started in 1989, only a handful of people received CMA designations. But at a ceremony held Saturday at the Palm Reef Hotel, 11 CMA designation certificates were presented to a group which included executives and educators, one more than last year. Nine other members of the Island's business community were recognised for completing the programme's examination while three others were recognised for completing all academic requirements. "We think we have a bright future and we believe we can graduate ten CMAs per year in Bermuda,'' said Bermuda chapter public relations committee chairman Mr. Arthur Ebbin Jr., an account executive at management company International Advisory Services Ltd. Because the course is offered at the Bermuda College, we are able to use Bermuda examples, he said. "CMAs concentrate on what companies are doing now and look to increase the productivity of the company,'' he said. "The CMA course looks beyond the numbers to managing people, change and resources,'' said Bermuda chapter president Mr. Paul Martin, a general accountant at Holmes Williams & Purvey Ltd. "We think the CMA designation provides people with a solid foundation in management and accounting,'' he said. With the announcement on Saturday that one of the Bermuda CMA programme's graduates garnered a gold medal, Mr. Ebbin said that not only is the programme now established but also turning a high calibre of CMAs. The Bermuda chapter is affiliated with the At the annual event, Mr. John DeSilva was presented with a gold medal from the society. The award is the highest given among 50 finalists in the Nova Scotia association which includes the Bermuda chapter. "My key reason for taking the CMA course was because it is one of the best programmes which ties together technical knowledge with actual practical management,'' said Mr. DeSilva. "Knowing how to apply the information is a big part of what you take away from the course.'' Mr. DeSilva, the first Bermudian to win a CMA gold medal, is vice president, support and development, with MCS Ltd., a company formed in 1980 and provides support and consulting services in accounting and software. "This accomplishment legitimises the fact that our students are reaching the same standard as our Canadian counterparts,'' said Mr. Ebbin. "This is a tribute to the calibre of candidate we have here in Bermuda,'' said SMA maritime Canada executive vice president Dr. Gordon Pollock. "Bermudians do very well on our national examinations.'' The increase in CMAs has led to the formation of a Bermuda SMA chapter board of directors. The board focuses on public relations, continued education for existing CMAs and to creating a social environment for the exchange of ideas among CMAs. In 1989, a Bermuda Government manpower survey determined a lack of human resources in professional accounting which resulted in the local chapter's formation, said Dr. Pollock. There are about 45 CMAs in Bermuda but some have obtained their CMA designation outside of the Island, he said. Ms Carrie Alvera, Mr. James Arnold, Ms Rosa Cordeiro, Mr. William DeSilva, Mr.

Martin Webb, Mr. Steven Antonition, Ms Helen Baralt, Mr. Robert Mason, Mr.

Michael Woodley and Mr. Andrew Wright, as well as Mr. John DeSilva, received CMA designation certificates on Saturday. Mr. Giles Belfrage, Ms Sandra Collins, Ms Grace Banach-Danielak, Mr. Ian Greatorex, Ms Leanne Jackson, Ms Shanna Lespere, Ms Catherine O'Donoghue, Mr. Gavin Simmons and Ms Michele Turner have been admitted to the CMAs professional programme while Ms Darlene Davis, Ms Caroline Devy and Ms Natalie Theberge have completed the academic requirements and upon completion of practical experience will be awarded CMA designations.

BUC