ABIR Course & Lecture Series

Spring 2023  Bermuda College is proud to partner with St. John’s University, and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) to offer this uniquely relevant and timely online series of lectures.

ABIR Course & Lecture Series

Dr Curtis Tweed suit jacket
Bermuda College Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs,
Dr. Curtis-Tweed
John Huff
President & CEO of ABIR,
Mr. John Huff

 

Whether you’ve been familiar with the industry for years, have a rudimentary understanding of it, or are a curious novice, the world of insurance is an exciting and dynamic industry to consider as a career. It continues to evolve, and faces a demanding future despite its operational and financial resilience. With so many local and international insurance and reinsurance companies in Bermuda, Bermuda College is proud to partner with St. John’s University, and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) to offer this uniquely relevant and timely online series of lectures to the local community.


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How do I register?
Click here to register for any one of the webinars between January 16th - April 24th.

What is so special about this course?
This course is foundational to an internship programme sponsored by ABIR which provides eligible students with scholarships to complete their bachelor’s degree at St John’s University.

What is the format of the course?
The course will be remote/online using Zoom.

What will I need to take the course?
You will need access to a computer with a camera and microphone.

When is the course?
The 14-week course will be held every Monday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. beginning January 16.

Do I have to be a Bermuda College student to attend the lecture?
No, the lectures are open and free of charge to the community courtesy of ABIR.

For further information?
For more information contact Craig Simmons at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Course Schedule
Class 1: January 16
Topic: Introduction to course: Roundtable discussion on Socio-economic impact of international business in Bermuda

Speakers: Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt JP, MP
Pina Albo, ABIR Chair and CEP, Hamilton Group 
Craig Simmons, Bermuda College

Class 2: January 23
Topic: The evolution of international insurance in Bermuda (Captive & Commercial Market)
Speaker: Catherine Duffy, American International Group & Author, Held Captive: A History of International Insurance in Bermuda

Class 3: January 30
Topic: Trends in Reinsurance related to Climate, Catastrophe, and more

Speaker: John Huff, CEO, ABIR

Class 4: February 6
Topic: International Re/Insurance in Bermuda

Speaker: Sirius Point

Class 5: February 13
Topic: Underwriting Cycle (in Catastrophe Reinsurance)
Issues in Underwriting: Adverse Selection and Underwriting Cycle

Speaker: Mark Browne, Professor & Faculty Chair, Maurice R. Greenberg, School of Risk Management, Insurance & Actuarial Science, St. John's University

Class 6: February 20
Topic: Captive Insurance

Speakers: Grianne Richmond, Executive Vice President - Head of Captives, Aon
Timae Flood - Assistant Director, Insurance Supervision, Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA)

Class 7: February 27
Topic: Life insurance and annuities

Speaker: Chantal Cardinez, CEO, Hannover Re


Mid-semester break: March 6 - 10

Class 8: March 13
Topic: Collateralised Reinsurance

Speaker: Andrew Hughes, CEO, Third Party Capital, PartnerRe

Class 9: March 20
Topic: The Role of Regulation in Insurance: BMA


Speaker: Gerald Gakundi - Director, Insurance Supervision, BMA

 

Class 10: March 27
Topic: Reinsurance and Climate Change

Speakers: Crait Tillman, President, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences,
Angela A'Zary, SVP, Client Risk Analytics, RenaissanceRe Risk Sciences

Class 11: April 3
Topic: Panel discussion: Diversity & Inclusion in Re/insurance

Speakers: Judy Gonsalves - Vice President, Chubb Group and Division President, Chubb Bermuda.
Jevon Williams, General Counsel, Chubb Bermuda

Class 12: April 10
Topic: Cyber Risk

Speakers: Devin Page - SVP Casualty/Specialty, Ascot Group
Jesse DeCouto - Chief Underwriting Officer. Validus Re

Class 13: April 17
Topic: Runoff Insurance

Speakers: Dennis Mathagu, FSA, CERA, MBA - AVP, Corporate Development, Fortitude Re
Esther Polevoy, VP, Life & Annuity Risk, Fortitude Re
Nelson Lee, SVP, Chief Actuary, Property & Casualty Fortitude Re

Class 14: April 24
Topic: Insurance Careers, Utilizing LinkedIn and other Social Media

Speakers: Jodi Queen-Hubert, Director, The Ellen Thrower Center for Apprenticeship and Career Service,
School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science, St. Johon's University
Vicki Wells, Assistant Director, The Ellen Thrower Center for Apprenticeship and Career Service, 
School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science, St. John's University

Kamila Bean
Kamila Bean    |  BC ALUMNI
CLASS OF 2004 - Associates in Hospitality Management

 

Director of Rooms  |   Newstead Belmont Hill 

"Enrolling at Bermuda College was an exciting experience for me. I wasn't one hundred percent sure of the direction I wanted to head into within my career, and so enrolling was an on-the-spot decision: one that I do not regret. I wasn't fully focused in the beginning, however a serious life event pushed me into focusing and taking advantage of the opportunity.


The professors were the best! Two teachers who made my experience very enjoyable, but were very tough on me, were Mr. Shawn Deshields and Mrs. Pat Robinson. I was a very shy person and a lot of the assignements required me to do public speaking, as well as communicate with guests that came for the Prospect Room lunches. The most memorable day was receiving my degree with my number one supporter watching: my one-year old daughter! Because I was already working in the hospitality field, I was able to take the Knowledge and hands on traning provided by BC directly into my day to day work life.


I would implore students to take advantage of the resources that BC has to offer. If they are not sure what direction or field they want to go into, visit the campus to take a tour and/or speak with someone to get a better feel."

In her own words...