“Thank you for a successful BICA Accountants’ Week 2024!” – BICA President Pretino Albury

“Dear Members,

On behalf of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA), I extend heartfelt thanks to all of you for your participation in and support of BICA Accountants Week 2024 under the theme “Staying on the Cutting Edge E.D.G.E.: Embracing the Digital Growth Era.”

Your engagement throughout the week, whether as attendees, presenters, or panelists, made this year’s event a resounding success. The dialogue, learning, and connections formed during our sessions are a testament to the strength of our professional community.

A special thank you goes to our hardworking CPD Committee for their dedication in organizing this impactful week. Your efforts were invaluable in curating sessions that kept us informed and inspired. To the BICA Secretariat, thank you for providing unwavering resource support to ensure smooth operations behind the scenes.

We also extend deep gratitude to the outstanding teams who supported our efforts:

• Deloitte for spearheading the Technical Update portion of the seminar and delivering dynamic break-out sessions that received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
• The MOVI Group for their unparalleled expertise in audio/video production, live streaming, and ‘all-things digital,’ which elevated our hybrid experience to new heights.
• CVENT for powering our online app platform for the second year running, keeping us truly on the cutting EDGE of digital engagement.

To all presenters, panelists, and contributors from firms or individual practices, thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise—it is through these collaborative efforts that we continue to elevate our profession.

Key Highlights from My Address
During my speech, I reflected on the significant strides we’ve made together:

• Advocating for improved regulations under the Business Licence Act of 2023, where BICA played a key role in designing the returns, guidelines, and reporting standards—achievements that took us from having no frameworks in place to setting a solid foundation for compliance.
• Transforming our Secretariat and leveraging technology to deliver seamless member services, including launching a member portal, modernizing membership applications, and enhancing seminar delivery.
• Expanding CPD offerings with quarterly technical updates, ensuring ongoing education and relevance.
• Signing an MOU with the University of The Bahamas to bring the CPA exam closer to home, demonstrating our commitment to supporting student members and fostering the future of the profession.
• Reinforcing connections with IFAC, ICAC, and regional colleagues, strengthening BICA’s alignment with global standards and ensuring timely dissemination of key information.

As we look ahead, our focus will remain on expanding financial literacy initiatives, engaging with our youth, supporting our seasoned members, and ensuring BICA continues to thrive at the forefront of change.

We encourage you to deepen your involvement with BICA by joining a committee, staying connected with us on social media, or finding creative ways to participate. Speaking of social media, don’t miss out on our current competition: Which firm or company represented the best at AW2024? Share your group photos, cast your votes, and let’s keep the debate going! Your input and engagement are invaluable as we strive to maintain the highest levels of professionalism and innovation while growing together as an institute.

Finally, I extend sincere thanks to the BICA Council for their steadfast support and to all members—seasoned and new—whose kind and encouraging words have inspired us as we continue to forge the path for our Institute. Your faith in BICA’s mission drives us to deliver at the highest levels.

Thank you once again for making BICA Accountants Week 2024 an event to remember. Together, we are shaping a future filled with innovation, growth, and professionalism.” – President Pretino Albury