In a landmark initiative aimed at bolstering regional economic growth and advancing gender equity, Helen’s Daughters has unveiled a multi-year partnership with CIBC Caribbean Bank. This collaboration will ensure sustained financial support for Helen’s Daughters’ flagship initiatives—the Life Academy and the Ag-Cademy—which offer free services to women in Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis. The partnership underscores CIBC Caribbean’s commitment to fostering community resilience, creating economic opportunities, and driving transformative change in sectors critical to regional stability. It also seeks to elevate women’s participation and leadership in the Eastern Caribbean’s agricultural landscape. The Life Academy, a monthly educational series, focuses on cultivating well-rounded female leaders by addressing key areas such as financial literacy, climate change adaptation, health and wellness, and public speaking. Meanwhile, the Ag-Cademy, a ten-week program, equips participants with the knowledge and tools to establish and manage sustainable agricultural enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable farming practices, nutritional marketing, and agri-tourism integration. Notably, the Ag-Cademy Certificate is officially recognized by Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture as equivalent to the national “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) Certification, enabling participants to secure a Saint Lucia Farmer’s License and access government concessions and premium markets. Nigel Ollivierre, CIBC Caribbean’s country head for Saint Lucia, emphasized the bank’s vision during the partnership announcement, stating, “When women thrive, communities thrive. We are proud to support Helen’s Daughters in their mission to empower women, families, and the future of regional agriculture.” The partnership was formally launched during an Ag-Cademy practical session at Mother Nature’s in Bloom Farm, allowing CIBC Caribbean representatives to witness the program’s impact firsthand.
