Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
W. St. Elmo Whyte (right) accepts a plaque on behalf of the University of the West Indies, from Stafford L. Thompson Jr., the president of the International Association of Black Actuaries. - PHOTO BY TESI JOHNSON
WHOEVER CLAIMED that actuaries were a boring lot never spent three days with them at a luxury resort! For the three days spanning November 30 to December 2, Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay was the playground of actuaries, actuarial students and other delegates, from Jamaica, the Caribbean and other parts of the world, who made the trip for Caribbean Actuarial Association's 15th annual Actuarial Conference. Of course the conference was serious business, but why not have a little fun while you're at it?
On Wednesday evening, following a day of presentations, the Oleander Room was flocked with the summit's attendees who gathered for a smashing cocktail party. It became evident that this lot party just as hard - quite possibly harder - as they work. Though a few just could not resist chatting about business, most persons were serious about the business of having fun!
At the party, the president of the International Association of Black Actuaries (IABA) presented a plaque to the University of the West Indies, designating them University of the Year, for their support of the IABA and the performance of their students in the actuarial exams. Senior Lecturer in the department and consulting actuary, W. St. Elmo Whyte, received the award on behalf of the department. "It's nice to be recognised by the IABA in this way. We had not known that we were being observed but now we must work even harder to ensure that this plaque comes back to us," said Mr. Whyte.
The festivities which were - scheduled to run from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., ran until long after they were scheduled to end, about 11:00. Even then they still weren't finished partying! While a few opted to return to the luxury of their respective villa or suite, the others made their way to Montego Bay's Hip Strip to continue the revelry at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.
