CG Atlantic chief steps down after four decades

A BAHAMIAN life and health insurance executive was yesterday hailed as “a leader” in the industry following her year-end 2022 retirement after 41 years in the sector.

Lynda Gibson, CG Atlantic Medical & Life Insurance’s executive vice-resident and general manager, stepped down from the Coralisle Group subsidiary after 27 years with the enterprise. She will be succeeded by Annastasia Francis, the current head of the company’s medical unit.

Dr Grant Gibbons, The Coralisle Group’s chairman, said: “Lynda has been a leader in the health insurance industry in The Bahamas for over 40 years, a remarkable testament to her professionalism and dedication, for which she has received recognition and numerous awards.

“CG and the Board of Directors acknowledge Lynda’s many contributions to the growth of our group of companies in The Bahamas and to the development of the health insurance industry. We are delighted that she will remain with us as a director on the Board, thus allowing CG Atlantic to continue to benefit from her vast experience and knowledge. We wish Lynda every success in her new role.”

Mrs Gibson said: “CG has always exemplified the group’s views on equality and creating opportunities for their staff to succeed. I was able to experience this from an early point, working with Sir David Gibbons, the former chairman, and Alan Peacock, CG’s former president and, more recently, with the current CEO, Naz Farrow.

“I’m very proud of Annastasia. She came into the organisation, she was willing to learn, and she is quite capable. Clients can be confident knowing they are in good hands. I look forward to seeing CG Atlantic Medical & Life continue to grow and develop under her leadership and to continue my relationship with CG in my new capacity.”

Mrs Gibson’s professional awards include Travelers Barons of Business Award 1987 and 1988, and manager of The Travelers Office of Region 1992. She is also a four-time winner of The Travelers Annual National Sales Award/Winner’s Circle Award. Her most recent honour came with GAMA International’s bestowal of its 2021 GAMA Bahamas Leadership Award. She has been the recipient of the Delta Sigma Theta

Sorority Incorporated 2000 Outstanding Businesswoman Award for insurance and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority 2004 Outstanding Woman Award. She has also received the Parkinson’s Association Award for Business.

Mrs Gibson has served institutions and boards that include the Central Bank of The Bahamas, Bahamas Hospital Authority, Bahamas Electricity Corporation, the Nassau Bahamas Chapter of The Links Incorporated, the Hotel Corporation of The Bahamas, and the Bahamas Financial Services Board as well as the advisory committee of the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas. As a past president of the Bahamas Association of Life and Health Insurers (now the Bahamas Insurance Association), Mrs Gibson was the first and, to-date, only woman to hold this position.

Mr Farrow said: “Lynda Gibson always educated employers on the importance of having health insurance for their employees. It is not mandatory for employers in The Bahamas, and with Lynda’s guidance, many businesses have taken employee benefits seriously. “In addition to her educational efforts, various awards and achievements, we are grateful to Lynda Gibson for her many years of service to the organisation, community and industry. We are pleased that she will continue to be affiliated with CG for years to come.”