Sir John Keynote Speaker At BVI Forum
Former Bermuda Premier Sir John.Swan is the keynote speaker at an upcoming seminar in the British Virgin Islands focussing on the challenges which lie ahead for small, off-shore international business domiciles given a recession-battered, increasingly regulated global economy.
The one-day conference organised by “Business BVI” magazine is being held at the British territory’s Scrub Island Resort on January 19, 2011.
“It is designed to look at the year ahead and the outlook for business in the BVI examining the primary sectors of the local economy; financial services, tourism, real estate, construction and air access to the BVI,” said a bulletin issued by organisers.
“It is also intended to speak to the new economy which has emerged after the global meltdown and recession of the last two years. One which is far more competitive and regulated – addressing what we as a small territory need to do if we are to be successful.”
Sir John served as Bermuda’s Premier from January 1982 to August 1995. He is founder, chief executive and chairman of the Swan Group of Companies, which for over a decade is reported to have built 40 percent of the homes on the island. His most recent project is the 10-storey commercial development at the entrance to the City on Front Street. Sir John has also been one of the strongest proponents for the wholesale redevelopment of the Hamilton waterfront. He has received many local and international awards and served on many local and international boards. He was knighted in 1990 and has been the recipient of three honorary doctorates.
One of Sir John’s fellow speakers at the seminar — based around the theme “Embracing the New Normal” — is Simon Townend, a partner of accountancy firm KPMG in The Bahamas, and head of KPMG Corporate Finance activities in the Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Isle of Man and Channel Islands.
Dear Sir John, I have no idea if you will remember me from W. Va. Wesleyan. Sometimes I tell the story about how the college chastised me for walking with you into Buckhannon. I see you did well in your life. I remember the lovely scarf you gave me – a map of Bermuda. I never returned to the school. I went to Juilliard and City College of New York. I got my Masters degree at New York University in Social Work. I married, had two daughters, and now, two grandkids. Just an update here. John Grant, is a friend and neighbor. I don’t know if you remember him. He was a pre- ministerial student and later became Jewish. Strange. If you get this and care to write back, I’d love to hear from you. Good memories. Shelley