In a significant demonstration of corporate social responsibility, Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) distributed $50,000 in charitable contributions to five nonprofit organizations during a ceremony at its Roebuck Street headquarters on Wednesday. The strategic philanthropic initiative targeted organizations addressing Barbados’ most pressing health and social welfare challenges.
ICBL CEO Goulbourne Alleyne presented $10,000 checks to representatives from The Salvation Army, Variety – The Children’s Charity, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Barbados Cancer Society, and the Diabetes and Hypertension Association. Alleyne emphasized that despite encouraging economic indicators showing 2.7-3% GDP growth, many Barbadian families continue facing substantial hardships that require community support.
The selected organizations were recognized for their decades of consistent service and measurable impact on vulnerable populations. Alleyne noted that their work frequently represents “the critical difference between hardship and hope, between despair and survival” for countless citizens.
Richard Alleyne of the Diabetes and Hypertension Association, celebrating its 50th anniversary, accepted the first donation while highlighting the disproportionate burden non-communicable diseases place on Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s resources. He expressed appreciation for corporate partners “willing to give back to the society that made them successful.”
Sharifa Yard, administrator of the Barbados Cancer Society, detailed how ICBL’s sustained support enables critical outreach programs promoting early detection of prostate, cervical, and other cancers while supporting affected families and children across the island.
Greta Yearwood of the Heart and Stroke Foundation underscored the urgent national health crisis, revealing that cardiovascular disease alone accounts for nearly 30% of deaths in Barbados. The partnership with ICBL funds essential screenings, health education, and life-saving interventions that directly address this epidemic.
Jacqui McDermott of Variety – The Children’s Charity, marking thirty years of service, emphasized the donation’s immediate impact during the holiday season, noting that many assisted children face difficulties “through no fault of their own.”
Major Robert Pyle of The Salvation Army, reflecting on the organization’s 127-year presence in Barbados, shared impressive operational statistics: 1,076 food hampers distributed, 12,640 people provided with essential goods, and 36,444 meals served through feeding programs between January and September alone. He credited these achievements to dedicated donors like ICBL.
The contributions form part of ICBL’s comprehensive year-round philanthropic program supporting civic groups, sports development, education, and disaster relief initiatives. With Christmas approaching, CEO Alleyne reaffirmed that community upliftment remains central to ICBL’s corporate identity, stating: “We believe that when those around us strive, our nation thrives. And when they struggle, it’s our duty to stand with them.”