Pictured with the Prince Williams High School team (former winners of the CFAL Junior Investor Programme) are Khalil Braithwaite (far left) of CFAL; and Prince Williams teacher Steven Jones. Photo by Donald Knowles.

Nassau, 14 April 2009:

One of the hardest things about coaching a team of students is helping them accept loss, says Prince Williams High Economics and Accounting teacher and CFAL Junior Investor Programme team coach, Steven Jones. The Junior Investor programme, developed by leading investment and financial analysis firm CFAL Ltd., is a financial literacy course that allows students an opportunity to manage a virtual $100,000 stock portfolio.

A native of Jamaica, Mr. Jones admits that he never paid much attention to securities before becoming involved in the programme. Now, his team is nearing the finish line in a competition they won a few years ago.

“I have developed an appreciation for the securities industry and I’m very impressed by CFAL and their commitment to education,” says Jones. “The most memorable part of this experience is watching the students’ improvement in their stock selection and trading abilities.”

The winner of the programme 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.

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.