The Association of Bermuda International Companies [ABIC] held their annual Education Awards Luncheon, where a combined $800,000 in scholarships was awarded to 28 students to support their studies.
The 2025 scholarships awardees are Kahzi Sealey, Jaden-Alex Walrond, Jayunae Bailey, Hadaz Philpott, Shane Powell-Hayward, Akinyi Apopa, Kiara Burcher, Benjamin Porter, Kairo Lewis, Destani Warner, Zuri Swan, Airica Outerbridge, Camya Matthew, Jeriel Fernandes, Alay Burgess-Rocker, Zachary Bishop, Ayr Cannonier, Camaje Easton-Smith, Elias Baia, Esi Naylor, Isabel Roe, Rahkeem Wilson, Riley Christopher-Petgrave, Riley Morbey, Tejah Bean, Wendell Zaire Lodge and Zuri Harrison.
A spokesperson said, “Talented young Bermudians ‘do not have to choose between going global and staying local’, because Bermuda’s international business sector offers an arena to pursue big ambitions, a leading Bermudian insurance executive told scholarship recipients at the Association of Bermuda International Companies [ABIC] Education Awards Luncheon on Thursday.
“Jessica Cardoso, an ABIC board member and Head of Markel’s Bermuda Office, delivered an inspiring keynote speech at the Harbourfront Restaurant to more than 100 attendees, including ABIC donor companies, award recipients, mentors, alumni, and dignitaries, including His Excellency Andrew Murdoch, the Governor of Bermuda, and Jason Hayward, JP, MP, the Minister of Economy and Labour. Tawana Tannock, Managing Director of Skuld Bermuda and an Independent Senator, was the MC.
“A combined $800,000 was awarded to 28 students to support their undergraduate or post-graduate studies at accredited institutions overseas. With selection based on a combination of applicants’ financial need and academic excellence, more than 800 scholars — including many who have become leaders in the IB sector — have benefited from the programme during its 48-year history.
“As the young scholars prepared to embark on their educational and career journeys, Ms Cardoso offered some sage advice. She drew from her own experience of a humble Bermuda upbringing by parents who worked as a cook/landscaper and a housekeeper, and working her way up to leadership roles in international insurance, during a 22-year career in which she worked for Allied World and Aspen, before joining Markel in 2018.”
“Some of you might wonder if your big ideas and big ambition have a place on such a small island,” Ms Cardoso said. “Let me tell you this — they do. In fact, Bermuda needs those ideas. It needs boldness and innovation. It needs to continue to evolve.
“But it also needs heart and humility and leadership that knows its neighbours’ names. You don’t have to choose between ambition and belonging. You don’t have to choose between going global and staying local. You can do both.”
Ms Cardoso has worked stints in cities including New York and London, experience that she said strengthened her appreciation of Bermuda’s global significance.
“The more time I spent overseas, the more I appreciated the calibre of business transacted here on our island,” she said. “I learned this business was the most complex and this marketplace was the most dynamic, and my greatest opportunity and impact was here.
“I returned home and sought out opportunities to lead globally — locally. I led teams from Bermuda to London to Singapore, Hong Kong and Sydney. I worked on projects to enter new markets, design new products, and led people around the world, all from Bermuda’s shores.”
She added: “Let me be clear — you do not owe Bermuda anything. You are encouraged to build the life that calls to you. But I want to suggest that something deeper than obligation is responsibility, the kind that recognises we are all shaped by more than effort. We are shaped by context, by soil, by people who built scaffolding we didn’t see.
“Responsibility means living in a way that honours the investment made in you, even if no one is tracking how you spend it. It means choosing to be not just a product of this island, but a participant in its future.”
Ms Cardoso wished the scholars well in their careers, adding she hoped they would return to Bermuda when the time was right for them, bringing their skills, brilliance and tenacity.
She concluded: “Leadership is not about titles. It’s about service. It’s about making room for others and sometimes creating the room itself. It’s also walking in the world with a spirit of generosity and not entitlement. You’re not just carrying your future. You’re carrying this island’s future, and what a privilege it is to belong.”
The spokesperson said, “The 2025 awardees are: Kahzi Sealey, Jaden-Alex Walrond, Jayunae Bailey, Hadaz Philpott, Shane Powell-Hayward, Akinyi Apopa, Kiara Burcher, Benjamin Porter, Kairo Lewis, Destani Warner, Zuri Swan, Airica Outerbridge, Camya Matthew, Jeriel Fernandes, Alay Burgess-Rocker, Zachary Bishop, Ayr Cannonier, Camaje Easton-Smith, Elias Baia, Esi Naylor, Isabel Roe, Rahkeem Wilson, Riley Christopher-Petgrave, Riley Morbey, Tejah Bean, Wendell Zaire Lodge and Zuri Harrison.
“This year’s cohort includes students pursuing degrees in Business, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Law, Actuarial Science, Computer Science, and more — fields directly aligned with Bermuda’s vibrant international business sector. In addition to financial support, scholars benefit from mentorship opportunities and access to a broad professional network in Bermuda.
“BermudAir also offered its support of the scholars, by providing free flight tickets to two students to help them with the cost of travel to university. Riley Christopher-Petgrave and Benjamin Porter were the lucky winners.
Adam Scott, Founder & CEO at BermudAir, stated: “We’re proud to support the important work ABIC is doing to invest in the future of Bermuda’s young leaders. At BermudAir, education and opportunity are deeply valued, and we’re pleased to help ease the journey for this year’s scholarship recipients as they take their next steps abroad. It’s an honour to contribute to an initiative that strengthens our community and empowers the next generation.”
“The ABIC Education Awards continue to represent one of Bermuda’s largest and most impactful scholarship programs,” said Christian Dunleavy, Chairman of ABIC. “We are not only investing in students’ academic journeys but also in the long-term success of Bermuda’s International Business sector. The talent, resilience, and aspirations of these scholars have reaffirmed our commitment to educating, elevating and empowering the next generation.”
The spokesperson said, “ABIC extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 2025 award recipients and expresses sincere gratitude to its member companies, whose continued support and donations makes this programme possible.”
#BermudaBusiness #CollegeScholarships #Education #GoodNews
Category: All, Business, News
Archives:
Categories:
Tags:
Bernews
