The Insurance Industry received a boost of cooperation last weekend when the Insurance Association and the Insurance Institute of St. Vincent & the Grenadines held a joint cocktail launch at the Sunset Shores Hotel.{{more}}

The occasion, which brought together personnel from the General and Life & Health Sectors, as well as Brokers, was convened to update the Industry on the progress with both the Association and the Institute since the Executives were voted into office in November 2007.

The Presidents of both bodies reflected on the mandates given at the meeting when the elections were held, informed on the challenges of mitigating factors put in place and outlined plans going forward.

In the case of the Association, President Cecil McKie pointed to the fact that, since being elected, the review of the existing constitution, new Rules & Regulations, as well as a Code of Ethics to guide the sector, had all been completed and would soon be adopted. Discussions were ongoing with the office of the Supervisor of Insurances on various legislative and administrative matters to ensure enhanced efficiency. President McKie also identified the planned activities for the year, and solicited the support of all practitioners as the Association focused on developing all aspects of the sector while informing the public on diverse insurance matters.

President of the Institute, Paul Seale, highlighted the need to continuously provide training opportunities to facilitate greater efficiency in the Industry, as practitioners got themselves qualified. The Institute recently initiated the second set of courses for local personnel, of which the response was encouraging. External courses were also identified and persons encouraged to pursue their dreams. President Seale urged members to view insurance as a career, and as such, focus on making themselves professionals through practice and qualification.

The Industry will hold a luncheon meeting soon to further cement these plans whilst facilitating greater camaraderie among members.