To celebrate its 43^rd anniversary, The Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) has selected its second Warren L Rolle apprentice, Merisha Butler. Butler, who will be studying Economics and Finance at University of The Bahamas (UB) this fall as a part of her apprenticeship, was selected by a panel at The Bank based on her impressive resume.

BDB was established in 1974 by an act of parliament to provide access to financing to Bahamians for

economic diversification and expansion. The Bank’s focus on National Development allows for more relaxed terms than conventional banks. In 1979, Warren Logan Rolle was appointed as The Bank’s first Managing Director, where he remained until 1988.

To celebrate Warren Rolle’s contribution to The Bank, the apprenticeship program provides a full four year scholarship to an incoming student at UB along with a paid opportunity to work at The Bank for the duration of their studies. The program was launched during the Bank’s 42^nd anniversary in 2020.

Subsequently, The Bank including the naming of the selected apprentice during anniversary celebrations.

“I can confidently say that my apprenticeship with The Bahamas Development Bank has provided me with a wealth of knowledge.” said Octovia Green, The Bank’s first apprentice. “I am grateful to be a part of an organization that supports economic development.”

This year’s apprentice, Merisha Butler, is a recent graduate of Kingsway Academy, and during her time in high school, she has been active in Key Club, Interact Club, Debate Club, Track & Field and Dance.

Additionally, she has experience as a tutor, dance instructor and has participated in a number of community service initiatives.

Over the next four years, Butler will be working across all of the departments to learn how The Bank functions and to provide a practical example of her studies at UB. The apprenticeship will also allow her to gain valuable experience and support her dream of becoming an economist.