Caribbean News
CIBC FirstCaribbean Signs On For Three More Years of Support to UWI
#Barbados, September 9, 2021 – CIBC FirstCaribbean has officially extended its partnership with The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus with the signing of a memorandum of understanding for three years. 
The agreement, which was signed on Tuesday August 17, 2021, is for the period 2021/22 to 2023/24, and will cover four areas: support and development of UWI programmes and students around the region; enhancement of research in Banking and Finance at The UWI; the joint pursuit of mutually beneficial business opportunities, and entrepreneurship and innovation.
The bank has contributed over US$2 million to The UWI to support various initiatives since the first MOU was signed between the two institutions in 2003.
Chief Executive Officer of CIBC FirstCaribbean, Colette Delaney stated that the bank cherishes its longstanding relationship with The UWI, and was pleased to formally extend it for another three years.
She added that entrepreneurship and innovation will be the key drivers of the post-COVID economy, and The UWI is headed in the right direction.
“We see the scholarships, research grants, public lectures and other programmes and activities offered under this MOU as tangible demonstrations of our commitment to this region and its development.
“Investment in and support of our region’s people especially the youth remains one of the key pillars of our charitable arm the FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation of which I have the honour to chair and which is providing the funding for the programmes and projects in this MOU,” Delaney said
Principal of the Cave Hill Campus, Professor Clive Landis, lauded the bank’s support for the University over the past 18 years, and said he is looking forward to the two institutions forging even closer ties.
“As a result of the bank’s generosity, several of our students who were experiencing financial challenges have been able to realise their dream of attaining a university education. Many of these have gone on to make a meaningful contribution in this region and further afield.
“It is clear then, in the current public health climate, that such assistance is needed now more than ever, as so many across the Caribbean and the world have suffered severe financial losses as a result of the pandemic,” he said. 
Landis noted that The UWI would need to innovate and seek new business perspectives if the institution is to survive. In that regard, he announced the launch of the Campus’ latest entrepreneurial initiative, the Innovate! Challenge, which is a competition organised by the Office of Business Development that rewards staff for impactful and innovative ideas that lead to income generation for their unit or department, as well as the campus.
The competition will be launched later this year and will be sponsored by CIBC FirstCaribbean.
One of the major beneficiaries of the MOU is the Student Entrepreneurial Empowerment Development (SEED) project, which is designed to encourage and develop self-reliance.
The bank has assisted with providing access to finance and a business plan competition. To date, $240,000 has been disbursed among 40 start-ups since the inception of the programme.
The first, second and third place winners of The UWI SEED CIBC FirstCaribbean Business Plan Competition – Kerri-Ann Bovell, Victor Clarke and business partners Marissa Chandler and Malissa Cornwell – also thanked The UWI and CIBC FirstCaribbean for their support.
Photo Captions:
Header: The first donation to the Department of Gender Affairs, made by CIBC FirstCaribbean on International Women’s Day, was the springboard for the Department’s food and gift-bag distribution programme. The programme focused on alleviating the economic strain and burden of poverty for single female-headed families and young women in particular.
L-R: Bianca Dillon-O’Neil, Human Resources Support Officer, CIBC FirstCaribbean; Cutella Talbot, Gender Officer, Department of Gender Affairs; Carolyn Dickenson, Director, Department of Gender Affairs.
Insert: Over the last month, CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Human Resources Department, headed by Mrs. Dillon-O’Neil, encouraged persons to donate non-perishable items. Boxes were placed at each of the bank’s branches for contributions by staff.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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