Nassau, 19 January 2009:

Fourteen high schools just passed the halfway point in the CFAL Junior Investor programme, a seven-month adventure in financial literacy education. Last October approximately 140 tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade students began the 7th annual programme, originally established by CFAL in 2002, to provide the students a real world context in which to manage a virtual $100,000 stock portfolio.

As sponsor of the programme, CFAL donates the time of its securities analysts and traders to facilitate trade instructions and coach classes in the finer points of analyzing the Bahamian securities market and the global investment climate. The programme is designed to expose students to the various dynamics of the country’s financial industry but also to help them understand personal finance management and the long term benefits of saving and making wise financial choices.

Said CFAL President Anthony Ferguson, “CFAL has always believed that the greatest commodity of our nation is our youth because the potential of the Bahamian economy resides within them. We developed this programme to enhance the vital awareness and importance of the Bahamian financial market from the perspective of an investment manager.”

St. Anne’s, the winner of the inaugural programme, was one of only four schools participating in the 2002-2003 academic year. Currently, 14 schools in New Providence have committed to participating in this year’s programme, creating a greater sense of competition for the schools. Past winners also include St. Augustine’s College, CI Gibson Senior High, Bahamas Academy and CV Bethel Senior High School.

This year’s St. Augustine’s College Business and Commerce teacher and school coach, Dawn Johnson, said winning solidified her school’s interest in the Junior Investor. “The students were really motivated that year so winning the program was a very fulfilling experience for them. Additionally, we have placed in the top three in since the program began and that makes me very proud. Each time we place is memorable.”

Although noting the volatility in the equities market, Mrs. Johnson said the Junior Investor still has her students motivated: “They are very competitive. They have been reading the newspaper and following developments on a daily basis. They like the idea of finding information and making investment decisions based on the facts. There is no better lesson than those taught using real life examples.”

The winner of the program will be determined by the school that has the highest return for their portfolio while maintaining a balanced investment strategy. The school that finishes in first place will receive $3,000. Second and third place prizes are cash awards of $2,000 and $1,000 respectively. Members of past teams are also afforded internships at CFAL.

Vying for this year’s top prizes are St. Augustine’s College, St. Andrew’s School, St. Anne’s School, C.I. Gibson Senior High, CR Walker Senior High, Kingsway Academy, Prince Williams High, CV Bethel Senior High, Doris Johnson Senior High, CC Sweeting Senior High, Faith Temple Christian Academy, Bahamas Academy, Aquinas College, and Government High School.