A Change of Pace

Tahinde Frederick was networking at a business conference in Bermuda in 2006 when she decided to test career prospects there. An assistant vice president at an insurer in New York, she sent her résumé out just to “see what would happen.”

“Within one month I had an offer after interviewing with three companies,” recalls Frederick, originally from Washington. Today, as a senior risk analyst for Montpelier Reinsurance, Frederick admits that demand for talent definitely worked in her favor and is still a challenge for the island.

A self-governing territory of the United Kingdom, Bermuda’s economy is primarily based on financial services and tourism. There is also light manufacturing. The reinsurance sector has grown steadily over the last 20 years, and several American companies migrated there following the September 11th attacks and Hurricane Katrina.

Frederick is enjoying her new lifestyle in Bermuda. She has participated in the End-to-End Race, which spans the 22 miles of the island. “My first year I biked it in two hours,” she boasts. Frederick doesn’t golf but appreciates it as a main attraction on the island. The wildly popular Bermuda Music Festival and PGA Grand Slam are among special events for 2009, as well as the Tall Ships Atlantic Challenge in June, commemorating Bermuda’s 400th anniversary.

ACCOMMODATIONS
Located on the waterfront in the reinsurance district, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess (www.fairmont.com/hamilton

; 76 Pitts Bay Road, 441-295-3000) [1] is the preferred address of professionals for conferences and business luncheons. The ambiance exudes the grandeur of English tradition, and the service is impeccable. Guests have access to the exclusive Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club (www.riddellsbay.com) [2] located near the sister property, the Southampton Princess.

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa (www.cambridgebeaches.com; 30 King’s Point Road, 441-234-0331), “is very secluded and nice if you are looking to relax in a serene setting,” says Frederick. This cottage-style resort on 30 acres offers three private pool suites and holistic therapies at its Ocean Spa.

DINING
The Harbourfront (www.harbourfront.bm; 21 Front St., 441-295-4207)

[3]. Tempura dishes and aged prime cuts grace the menu that features Japanese cuisine and steakhouse favorites. Try the wild king salmon and linguine aragosta doused in a spicy tomato cream sauce indoors or on the outdoor terrace with a delicious vista of Hamilton Harbour.

Beef enthusiasts nicknamed Barracuda Grill (www.barracuda-grill.com; 5 Burnaby Hill, 441-292-1609) “seventh heaven” because of the savory cuts of certified Angus beef served as grilled T-bone chops and bone-in rib eye steaks. A popular spot for executives, the restaurant offers a business lunch menu. Executive Chef Derek Myers’ yellowfin tuna marinated in togarashi spice with a lemongrass bonito flake reduction gets rave reviews.

LEISURE
Stroll along

Hamilton’s Front Street–the main artery of the capital city–for luxury shops and casual dining options. Steer your scooter to Church Street to explore artistic expressions at the Bermuda National Gallery (www.bng.bm). Or visit the historic St. Peter’s Church [4]. Maritime life is a rich chapter in Bermuda’s history; explore shipwrecks on a dive or swim with playful dolphins at the Maritime Museum (www.dolphinquest.org). Trek 120 feet underground to tour the enchanting, hidden Crystal & Fantasy Caves (www.caves.bm). More than 300 bird species make for lively bird watching.

This story originally appeared in the February 2009 issue of Black Enterprise magazine.

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