Bahamas News

Having decided that compliance is for you there is no reason why you cannot reach the pinnacle in this chosen field. Tameka Burrows- Forbes was selected as Compliance Professional of the Year for 2005. She has distinguished herself as a member of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers.

Mrs. Burrows-Forbes serves as Senior Risk Manager for Bank of the Bahamas Limited. She joined Bank of The Bahamas International in July 2001 as the Manager of Compliance and Legal Affairs. She is a member of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers and the Association of Certified Anti-Money Specialists. In February, 2003 she achieved the ACAMS Certification and has attended Anti-Money Laundering and Compliance seminars and conferences both locally and internationally.

Mrs. Burrows-Forbes is an Attorney and was called to the English Bar in London England and the Bahamas Bar in 1997. She began her career in the office of the Attorney General in 1998 as a Criminal Prosecutor. She is a graduate of Kingsway Academy, the College of the Bahamas and the University of Buckingham.

Mrs. Burrows-Forbes began her employment in the compliance field on the heels of the introduction of industry- changing and regulatory entrenching legislation aimed at establishing robust KYC and AML procedures and practices. Her employer acknowledges that she plays a key role in the training of staff and ensuring that the bank meets the highest international standards. Mrs. Burrows- Forbes is commended for playing a significant role in the growth and development of Bank of the Bahamas Limited. She has published articles and made compliance presentations outside of Bank of The Bahamas Limited. Mrs. Tameka Burrows- Forbes is an active member of The Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers.

Baco’s s New Executive Team: The Annual General Meeting saw a change of the guard for the Executive of BACO. Miss Robin Scavella, Legal Counsel at FirstCaribbean International Bank the immediate past President who stood at the helm of the Association for 2 consecutive years, doing an admirable job, did not offer for another term.

President - Tanya McCartney, is an attorney who has been employed in the financial services sector for the past seven years as a compliance professional. She is currently employed as Legal Counsel and Compliance Officer at Union Bancaire ( Bahamas) Limited. She is supported by a hardworking team comprised of:

Executive Vice President - Steve Davis is employed with the Citigroup.

Vice President - Duhiza Swaby-Smith has served on previous executive committees. She is employed at Banque Privee Edmond de Rothschild Ltd.

Treasurer - Edward Cooper - Territory Compliance Officer at United European Bank & Trust Nassau Ltd. He holds a Masters in Accounting & Finance, BA in Banking & Finance and the ICA Diploma. Since 1999 he has worked in the area of Audit & Compliance

Asst. Treasurer - Fabian Bain is Chief Financial Officer at Gottardo Trust Company Limited. He is a Certified Public Accountant and holds an International Diploma in Compliance & AML. He has been in the compliance field for five years.

Secretary - Marsha Ferguson. Miss Ferguson who has served as a compliance professional for the past 5 years. She is currently employed as Compliance Officer with BankBoston Trust Company Ltd. and holds the following certifications: MICA, CAMS

Asst. Secretary - Jasmin Strachan - is employed with Commonwealth Bank.

Committee chairs

Steven Miller

Pauline Seymour

Jeunesse Osadebay

Natika Whitfield

As we embark upon an exciting schedule, we encourage all members to become more involved as we seek to ensure that Compliance Professionals are provided with opportunities for quality education and training. Plans are currently underway for our Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) Day.