**William B. Sands, Jr.
Executive of the Year**

BFSB’s annual Financial Services Industry Excellence Awards are designed to recognise role models in the FS industry for their outstanding performance and contribution to the growth and development of the industry here in The Bahamas. CEO & Executive Director Wendy C. Warren says, *”These Awards recognise the importance of quality human resources for the success of the industry.”*

Each year awardees are chosen in three categories: (1) Executive of the Year – CEO level; (2) Professional of the Year – Any level of Management or Supervision and (3) Achiever of the Year – Junior and Support levels.

Since 2002, the Hon. Allyson Maynard-Gibson, Minister of Financial Services and Investments, also has presented a special **”Minister’s Award”** as an integral part of the annual initiative – *”recognising excellence in all of its aspects.”*

BFSB spoke recently with **William B. Sands, Jr., President and CEO of Commonwealth Bank**, the 2004 Executive of the Year. He said,* “Being named Executive of the Year by my peers and colleagues – members of the Bahamas Financial Services Board – was one of the greatest honours and highlights of my career.”* Commenting further on the importance of service within the financial services industry, Mr. Sands also said *“BFSB is to be commended for its efforts to encourage and reward excellence in the financial services industry, the second most important footing of the foundation of our economy. It is only through service that The Bahamas distinguishes itself and competes in a global market – and only through excellent service that one institution is selected over another for personal banking. While this honour was bestowed upon me, it really belongs to all the family at Commonwealth Bank, the little bank that ‘proved it could’ by believing in Bahamians.”*

The 2005 Awards Banquet will be held on October 8, at Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel and Spa.

Nominations for the 2005 Awards are open to the entire Financial Services industry including industry regulatory and supervisory agencies and government institutions involved with financial services activities.