Castries, St. Lucia, November 26, 2024 - Republic Bank (EC) Limited celebrated its commitment to community development and social responsibility with a special Presentation of Partners Event on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia. The event marked a significant milestone for the 2nd cycle of the Bank's "Power to Make a Difference" (PMAD) Programme, showcasing the new and returning partners from across the East Caribbean who have been awarded funding for their impactful initiatives.
PMAD is Republic Bank’s overarching social investment programme built on the knowledge that the Bank has the power to make a difference by empowering others to learn, help, care and succeed. It is done through collaboration with advocacy groups in the pursuit of building successful and sustainable societies.
Attended by representatives from Republic Bank (EC) Limited, the PMAD Advisory Council and the PMAD Partners for Saint Lucia, the event recognized the new and returning partners through a token handover and saw performances by Sparkle Legends Dance Troupe and spoken word artiste, Christa St Ange.
During the inspiring ceremony, Republic Bank (EC) Limited announced that 16 partners—comprising both new entrants and returning organizations—will receive a total funding disbursement of EC$550,000.
Tracy Bartholomew, Managing Director of Republic Bank (EC) Limited, spoke to the Bank’s continued dedication to the programme’s development. “Our commitment to building and enhancing PMAD remains unwavering. We recognize the importance of nurturing and expanding this initiative to reach even greater heights. PMAD is not just a programme; it is a movement that galvanizes our collective efforts and aspirations towards a brighter, more inclusive future”.
This year’s event highlighted the diverse range of initiatives that the PMAD Programme will support for the 2nd cycle. From education and youth development to agriculture and environmental sustainability, the selected partners represent some of the most innovative and effective organizations working to address critical issues in the region.
In Anguilla, new partner, the Anguilla Sailing Association will be able to build on the work of their youth sailing program which aims to introduce children from diverse backgrounds to sailing.
On the island of Dominica, the Rotary Clubs of Dominica and Portsmouth will benefit for this year’s funding. The Rotary Club of Portsmouth will create a playground at Temple SDA Primary School, and the Rotary Club of Dominica will use their funding to help the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities Inc (DAPD) to furnish the conference room at their multi-purpose development center.
Returning partner, the Rotary Club of St. Vincent will restore a green space/ playground for the School for Children Special Needs. New partner, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in St. Vincent and the Grenadines provides skill enhancement and beekeeping employment to vulnerable young people through the "Youthful Honey" project.
For St. Kitts, the Programme welcomes three new partners. The St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association is a Youth Education programme aimed at promoting STEM and fostering educational opportunities in these critical fields. The Garden of Rebirth will help refurbish a shelter dedicated to female victims of domestic violence and their young children, and the Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society will use the funding to help students master basic sustainable agricultural techniques through their Youths in Agriculture Farm School programme.
New partners 721 Kids Foundation and the National Institute of Arts Foundation and returning partner Freegan Food Foundation represent the island of St. Maarten. The 721 Kids Foundation will support special needs children’s education by covering the refurbishment of classrooms and the construction of a ramp. The National Institute of Arts Foundation will also assist children with special needs through their interdisciplinary art and cultural education programme. Funding for the Freegan Food Foundation will provide for a food bank which supports vulnerable groups like single parents, low-income households with minors, the elderly, and pregnant individuals.
Finally in Saint Lucia, the Programme welcomes three returning partners and two new partners. Returning partners Obtronics will again conduct a Youths - Summer Program focused on the inclusion of women in STEM, and the Daren Sammy Foundation will once again provide scholarships which cover tuition payments and school supplies such as stationery, uniforms and shoes.
The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities Inc. will build on the funding provided last year for their aquaponics facility with the further enhancement of a UV light filtration system.
Saint Lucia also welcomes new partners the Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation who will provide youth swimming programs for students of all backgrounds, and the Youth in Arts Theatre Company who help preserve arts and culture among school-age youth through projects like the KiddiCrew Theatre Arts programme.
These partners were carefully chosen based on their proven track records and the potential impact of their proposed projects. The funding provided by Republic Bank (EC) Limited will enable these organizations to expand their reach and enhance their programs, ultimately contributing to the social and economic development of the East Caribbean.
PMAD Advisory Council member, Leathon Khan, spoke of the importance of the PMAD Advisory Council. “The establishment of the advisory board is not just a procedural necessity. It is a strategic move to harness local expertise and insights for the greater good. Through our collective efforts we can ensure that the ‘Power to Make a Difference’ Programme achieves its mission of fostering sustainable community development,” he noted.
The "Power to Make a Difference" Programme is a cornerstone of Republic Bank (EC) Limited’s corporate social responsibility efforts. This initiative embodies the Bank's dedication to fostering sustainable development, empowering individuals, and uplifting entire communities in the East Caribbean. By investing in education, agriculture, and social services, Republic Bank aims to create lasting change and improve the quality of life for those in need. Since its inception, the PMAD Programme has provided millions of dollars in funding to support initiatives that align with the Bank's core values of inclusivity, integrity, and service excellence.