Association For Corporate Racial Equity
A group of international business professionals has launched the Association for Corporate Racial Equity [ACRE], and will hold a virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, October 13th.
A spokesperson said, “A committed group of International Business [IB] professionals has launched the Association for Corporate Racial Equity [ACRE] in response to the historic and present underrepresentation of Black Bermudians in International Business.
“ACRE will launch with a virtual panel discussion entitled “Connecting the Statistics to the Experience: A Conversation on Race and Bermuda’s International Business Sector” on October 13 at 11:30am.
“The Association is Co-Chaired by Noel Pearman, SVP, Cyber Product Line Leader, AXA XL and Marlon Williams, Senior Property Underwriter, Hiscox Re & ILS. Also participating on the panel will be Jasmine DeSilva, SVP ILS Strategic Initiatives and Business Development [moderator] and Deshay Caines, VP, Colleague Engagement, Marsh McClennan.”
Marlon Williams said, “We recognized the need for a dedicated professional Association to partner with our industry leaders and change agents to support advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion [DEI] initiatives in order to sustainably correct this imbalance at all levels.”
“Bermuda has a highly educated and naturally diverse population. The data have conclusively shown that more diverse thought and inclusivity within organizations leads to better decision-making and better financial outcomes. As the global market is more competitive than ever, it is critical that Bermuda attracts and retains the best from its full talent pool and leverage this natural advantage.”
Noel Pearman said, “This initiative is three years in the making. We’re excited to champion increased success for Black Bermudians in IB and, in that effort, increased success for our IB sector and Bermuda as a whole.”
A spokesperson added, “You can register for the panel here. Also, sign up to stay abreast of developments with ACRE at www.acrebermuda.com.”
“The data have conclusively shown that more diverse thought and inclusivity within organizations leads to better decision-making and better financial outcomes.“
Interesting. Wonder if that also applies to lack of diversity and inclusion in Government administrations?
Government administrations are not supposed to be creative or flexible. If that were to happen, politicians could lose control of government.
Define diversty? Is it peole who look different or people that think differently.
Diversity, yes. Inclusion, yes.
Equity, absolutely not. It’s a code word for Critical Race Theory. Racist, anti-white, nonsense.
Congratulations on taking the fight to this arena!
I have worked in International Business in Bda for over 35 years.
Always uneasy but aware, that attending Board, upper and middle management meetings – I was on so many occasions – the only Bermudian and more specifically ‘Black’ Bermudian.
I would have been regarded as the ‘Token’ Black employee – at that time.
I used to walk around Hamilton going to meetings in Bda Shorts, blue blazer and briefcase and think – where are all the other Bermudians (like me)in this financial service industry?
Back then, I used to hope that a Law would be put in place to make it mandatory for each company in IB to hire and retain at least One Bermudian to take on Board and train over time. That never happened although some initiatives were discussed with the Gov’t. at the time.
However, we now have IB companies providing scholarships to educate Bermudians – this is very, very good – as it has never, never happened before to the scale it is happening now. So many young Bermudians are obtaining scholarships to further there education.
A Mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Things have now changed (on the surface)-as this group ACRE , can now even openly talk about the inequity / unfairness / privileged that is occurred via the institutionalized structure of racism / discrimination. (this group is new to the game and they can readily see it)
When we look – It is still here today – it is not over – much more to be done !
I’ve experienced the most racism in my life…growing up in Bermuda.
The homophobia isn’t impressive either.
I find it hilarious that born, true Bermudians are the first to play the race card…while discriminating against the LGBT community.
I guess most Bermudians are hypocrites….subjects of Dunning and Kruger. LOL
Obviously you have never lived in the USA. Bermuda’s problems are very mild when compared to other countries.
Stop comparing yourselves to other countries.
It’s a ridiculous comparison.
For the size of Bermuda, its problems are huge.
Clean up your own back yard first.
Ive seen studies that say that it really only moves profit by single digite % at most and is not sustained but what ever makes people feel special, better.
LOL, born, true Bermudians are overwhelmingly racist and homophobic…and then you play the hypocrisy card. LOL, you lot don’t have a clue.
Statement appears to be stereotypical. There are varied profiles of Bermudians. Please give detail, when you say that Bermudians are overwhelmingly racist and homophobic. What is the profile/image of the Bermudian that you are visualizing?
LOL…struck a nerve.
You know the answers, you’re just trying to play coy.
The phrases “born Bermudian” and “true Bermudian” are phrases coined by the PLP to keep a certain discussion going. Yes, Saud’s comment applies steriotypes, but it does no more than what the PLP Government does every time it gets the chance.
If the PLP Government can take such a position, why can a voter not do the same?
And way before the terms ‘Born Bermudian’ and ‘True (or real) Bermudian’ were being bandied about it was ‘Foreigner’ and ‘Ex-pat’ , very commonly heard in the 60′s and 70′s
Different terminology but all used with the same goal in mind.
As a late MP used to lament , ‘all ‘code’ language’ .
I own a business.
I hire the best person for the job.
I don’t care if you are black, white, purple or polka dotted.
Be the best applicant – you get the job.
Simple.
I’m a business, not a charity. What’s wrong with choosing the best applicant?
I agree. Choose the best applicant for the job.