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.
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
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