‘Make FS book mandatory for citizenship’ – Mr Robert A. Mathavious
This announcement and discussion took centre stage on Thursday October 9, 2014 at a ceremony coordinated by the two institutions for the launch and handing over of the FSC’s book titled ‘Offshore Financial Services: A BVI Text’ by Paul Byles of the Cayman Islands.
The book, which had its genesis since 2009 when a contract was signed under the Premiership of the Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal OBE, was only completed and became market ready recently, something Mr Mathavious said he was not very proud of in terms of the length of time they took to get it out on the shelves.
At the ceremony and a press briefing which followed, Mr Mathavious maintained his position that it should be made compulsory that studying the book be a requirement for persons seeking to become citizens of the VI.
“I would like to see this book become almost compulsory reading for people who come into the BVI,” he said adding, “You cannot become part of a society if you do not understand what the fabric of that society is, what makes it and what is critical.”
He said the book was handed over to the HLSCC so that it becomes a part of the college’s library and for it to be key in the usage of students studying in that field. It was also being sold on the spot for $25.
In supporting Mr Mathavious, Dr Dawson said that, whether persons are born in the VI or not, it must be of their interest that they understand the society and who the VI is as a people, “And I believe the text would serve in that regard,” he said.
According to Dr Dawson, the college is currently working with the Board of Immigration to develop a course for persons who are seeking immigration status.
‘Offshore Financial Services: A BVI Text’ while not authored by a local, is the second on the FSC to have been written for the VI. The first was authored by VI’s Ms Ayana S. Hull and titled “Financial Services demystified”.
It was explained by the new Director of the Financial Services Institute at HLSCC Mr Raj Krishnan that Financial Services demystified was written at the understandable level of high school students and rightfully so while ‘Offshore Financial Services: A BVI Text’ was written to the depth of the understanding of the high levels of persons particularly, those in college and other advanced standings. Copies were also handed over to the national library.
Present to witness the handing over of the book and to give his blessings while underscoring its importance to the Territory was Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable D. Orlando Smith.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture Dr Marcia Potter represented the Minister Honourable Myron V. Walwyn.
27 Responses to “‘Make FS book mandatory for citizenship’ – Mr Robert A. Mathavious”
Agree. Hill tried to have an Immigration Outreach Academy to teach and explain the immigration laws, policies etc, but was promptly blocked by Bro.....ck P..n and the Premier. Hmmm to dat.
IS THIS BOOK GOING TO REPLACE THE C..P aYANA hULL WROTE ON FINANACIAL SERVICES?
Besides, despite the great mystery, Financial Services is not rocket science. When people learn more (locals and others) they will become more comfortable with it.