Nassau, The Bahamas, January 14, 2021 – Top performers for 2020 were recognized and celebrated at Colina Insurance Limited’s (Colina’s) annual Awards Day held online today, for the first time ever.

“For years, we have gathered in person to celebrate and get to know each other but this year, we are united by technology in our individual spaces as we adhere to government mandates and health protocols,” said Emanuel M. Alexiou, Executive Vice Chairman, Colina.

“Colina’s success thus far in the COVID-19 pandemic is predicated on the resilience of our employees and agents. The Board of Directors, Executive team and I are forever grateful to everyone who worked remotely to keep us all connected to each other and to our clients during 2020,” said Alexiou.

Traditionally, Colina closes its operations for the day so the entire team can gather for the staff recognition event and cheer on achievers but this year’s installment was held online with commendations posted in the comments section, instead of the usual loud cheers from the crowd.

“We had to adapt our years’ long model to continue the tradition of honouring Colina’s dedicated employees and sales agents during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina.

Veoshe Johnson and Shakeilya Knowles received the company’s top sales awards. Johnson, a veteran salesperson from the Freeport branch received Colina’s Seasoned Salesperson of the Year award for 2020. Knowles received Colina’s Salesperson of the Year Award (Genesis Agent) for 2020.

“Being subject to lockdowns and social distancing meant that we had to adopt new virtual methods of interaction,” said Philip Smallwood, Director of Sales, Agency Services, Colina. “However, the nature of the Agent is that we do not take challenges lying down – when the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Colina also saluted those who had achieved various milestones in five year increments, up to thirty years of service to the company. “Milestone Awards are Colina’s way of expressing gratitude and awarding staff for longevity in service,” said Leotha Nixon, Manager, Human Resources, Colina.

The Company’s Payment Center received the Employee of the Year award for the exceptional teamwork and customer service its employees displayed during the Covid19 pandemic.

One sales agent was inducted into the Company’s Hall of Fame during the event. “This year it is my pleasure to welcome Beryl Norris into this august body,” said Smallwood. “Congratulations, Beryl, and thank you for your contribution to Colina and the Industry as a whole. Long may it continue.”

The 2020 Life Office Management Association (LOMA) awardees were celebrated at the virtual Awards Day experience. “Colina aims to enhance and educate its workforce with the most up to date materials as it relates to the Insurance Industry,” said Nixon. “For ten consecutive years, Colina has earned LOMA’s Educational Achievement Award for Latin America and the Caribbean which is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to employee development,” said Nixon speaking of Colina’s accomplishment.

LOMA, is a trusted source for industry knowledge, providing globally-recognized designations, educational resources and products that teach, illuminate new ideas, and ignite potential in its members’ organizations.

An employee from Colina’s Group & Health Benefits Department achieved the Professional in Health Insurance Advanced Studies designation from America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP).

Top agents at Colina’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Colina General Insurance Agents and Brokers Limited (CGIA) were also celebrated. CGIA offers property and general insurance. Many persons have been able to obtain appropriate coverage for their homes, boats, vehicles and other assets through CGIA.

A little more lighthearted and determined by a company-wide polling system, the People’s Choice Awards were the highlight of the show recognizing employees for distinguishable character traits, competencies, habits and personality.

“We adapted and our first ever Virtual Awards Day was an immense success,” said Seymour.

About Colina Insurance Limited

Colina Insurance Limited (Colina) is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past 155 years to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.