Pamela Smith, general manager of MF&G Trust and Finance Limited has been elected chair of the Jamaica Institute of Bankers, replacing Wayne Wray of First Global Bank.

Smith was formerly vice-chair of the banker's group, a position she has held since 2003.

Henry Pratt, general manager of Pan Caribbean Merchant Bank is the new vice-chair. The selections were done June 21 at the institute's annual general meeting.

The JIOB last year was earmarked as the Caribbean Centre for the Manchester Business School Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree programmes.

The institute has had a longstanding relationship with the U.K.-based university's worldwide business school unit.

The JIOB, establishedin 1977, also offers diploma and certificate programmes for the business and finance sector. In 1999, the Jamaica Bankers' Association assumed full responsibility for its operations.