GROS ISLET, Saint Lucia – September 1, 2026 – The Caribbean Association of Banks (CAB) is marking a key milestone in its investment in regional talent, celebrating the successful graduation of three exceptional early-to-mid career professionals from its collaborative CAB–UWI Scholarship Programme. The initiative, a flagship educational benefit for staff at CAB member organizations, aligns with the industry body’s long-standing mission to strengthen the Caribbean financial services sector through targeted professional development.
Against a backdrop of rapid global change in financial regulation, digital banking and risk management, the Caribbean financial sector faces growing pressure to cultivate skilled leaders who can navigate evolving market challenges. To address this gap, CAB partnered with The University of the West Indies (UWI), one of the Caribbean’s most respected higher education institutions, to create the scholarship scheme. The program opens access to accredited higher education opportunities for eligible employees of CAB’s member organizations, removing financial barriers to advanced learning that can help professionals advance their careers and contribute more effectively to their firms.
By investing in upskilling existing workers and nurturing emerging talent, the CAB–UWI Scholarship Programme works to build a pipeline of capable current and future leaders for the region’s financial industry. It equips participants with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required to succeed in today’s fast-evolving, globally connected financial landscape, ultimately strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the entire Caribbean banking and financial services sector.
The three graduates being recognized for their achievement span a range of critical subfields within the regional financial industry. Patricia C. Farrell, Credit Administration Manager at ACB Caribbean, completed her degree in 2025. Rochelle Alphonse, Senior Manager of Tax and Operations at Grant Thornton East Caribbean, also graduated in 2025. Ashley Pickwoad, Senior Supervisor in the Credit Risk Unit at Heritage Bank Limited, marked the milestone with his 2026 graduation.