The Association of Bermuda International Companies marked a significant milestone in its commitment to Bermuda’s future by awarding 27 scholarships valued at $740,000 during its annual Abic Education Awards Luncheon.

The programme’s total investment in Bermudian students now exceeds $20 million over 49 years.

Since its inception, the awards scheme has supported more than 820 Bermudian students.

Hosted by Jessica Cardoso, executive chairwoman of the awards committee and an Abic board director, the luncheon brought together government leaders, industry executives, scholarship sponsors and many others.

Among the distinguished guests attending were Dave Morgan, the Acting Governor, Emily Addiscott, the Acting Deputy Governor, and Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour.

This year’s scholarship recipients will pursue studies across a broad range of disciplines, including actuarial science, accounting, business, finance, law, engineering, technology, medicine, data science and other fields that are important to Bermuda’s continued economic competitiveness.

The keynote address was delivered by Gino Smith, who reflected on the evolution of Bermuda’s international business sector and drew parallels between the development of the Bermuda market and his own professional journey.

Abic chairman Christian Dunleavy congratulated the scholarship recipients and recognised the importance of the continued support provided by international business, Abic members and scholarship sponsors.

“Today’s scholarship recipients represent the future of Bermuda,” he said. “Their achievements, ambition and commitment to excellence give us confidence in the next generation of leaders who will help shape our community and our economy.”

Mr Dunleavy said the awards were an investment not only in individual students, but in Bermuda’s long-term success.

“It shows a commitment to a pathway into international business for Bermudians,” Mr Dunleavy said.

Abic executive director Wayne Smith thanked the companies whose contributions made the programme possible. He highlighted the importance of continuing to grow the initiative.

“Abic is deeply grateful to the companies that have invested in this programme over the past 49 years,” he said. “Their generosity has created opportunities for approximately 800 Bermudian students and represents a remarkable $20 million investment in Bermuda’s future.”

He said as the organisation approached the 50th anniversary, next year, of the awards, he hoped to build on this legacy by increasing both the number of scholarships awarded and the level of financial support provided to students in the years ahead.

Education award winners were: Talliyah Butterfield, I’Aura Golding, Precious Hayward, Nikia Matthews, Isis Tucker, Einnajae Caines, Khamil Burchall, Marley Tear, Vintage Lightbourne-Thomas, Micah Henschke, Amira Strong, Carleigh Rodney, Ayinde Bulford, Karis Brooks-Smith, Cheron Hunt, Ronesha James-Dill, Matthew Crisson, Sebastian Pukk, Dashaun Smith Davis, Amirah Ascento, Azari Easton, Edgar Solis, Gabrielle Smith and Acacia Tucker.

Taj Lowery won the Greta Peters Post Graduate Award, while Nikeisha Tucker-deChabert and Kyrah Mendes received the Career Shifters Award.