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Scotiabank and the non-profit organization I Am A Girl are commemorating five years of impactful collaboration through their flagship Adopt-A-Girl programme, which has transformed the lives of vulnerable teenage girls across Barbados. To celebrate this milestone, Scotiabank has reaffirmed its commitment by contributing an additional $60,000 to the initiative, ensuring continued support for girls aged 15 to 18 in overcoming challenges and achieving their academic and personal goals. The programme provides a comprehensive safety net, offering scholarships, essential learning tools, mental wellness services, and assistance with daily necessities like food and hygiene. This holistic approach ensures that, as organizers emphasize, “no girl is left behind due to circumstance.” Since its inception, the partnership has empowered hundreds of girls through mentoring, resources, and encouragement to stay in school and excel. The initiative has been a catalyst for change, not only for the participants but also for their families and communities. Scotiabank’s involvement extends beyond financial support, with employees actively engaging as mentors and capacity-builders through the Empower Employee Resource Group. They have conducted workshops on leadership, financial literacy, career coaching, and interview skills, serving as positive role models. Alian Ollivierre, executive director and founder of I Am A Girl, reflected on the partnership’s success: “Collaborating in a way that truly centres our girls and reflects meaningful partnership has exceeded our expectations. Together, we’ve deepened impact and created measurable change.” Suzette Armoogam-Shah, managing director of Scotiabank Barbados, added: “This partnership is about more than giving; it is about growing. Watching these young women rise, discover their strength, and pursue their dreams has been inspiring.”

The Insurance Corporation of Barbados Limited (ICBL) recently unveiled its sixth National Junior Spelling Bee, an event that not only celebrates spelling excellence but also underscores the transformative power of literacy in shaping young lives. The launch was met with palpable enthusiasm, as stakeholders gathered to support this educational initiative.

Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation, praised ICBL and its partners for their sustained commitment to education. He emphasized literacy as the cornerstone of national development, stating, ‘Our education system must evolve to prepare us for the future, rooted in our own ideals and focused on competitiveness.’ Blackman also highlighted the alignment of the Spelling Bee with the ministry’s literacy transformation program, urging nationwide recognition of literacy as a collective priority.

Amayah Chase, last year’s champion and the first public school student to win the national title, shared her inspiring journey. ‘Winning this competition was a dream come true. The prizes were exceptional, and my trip to London was unforgettable—I even met my great-grandparents for the first time,’ she recounted. Her former English teacher, Nakesha Hutson, lauded the competition for fostering literacy, academic excellence, and a passion for language.

ICBL CEO Goulbourne Alleyne expressed gratitude to sponsors, including new silver sponsor GO! Insect Repellent. Kristen Austin, Brand Developer for GO!, emphasized the company’s eagerness to support youth development through education. Republic Bank, a long-standing partner, reaffirmed its commitment via its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ program. Sharon Howell, Marketing Officer – Communications, remarked, ‘Education is the most powerful tool to shape a brighter future. Every child deserves the chance to unlock their potential.’

Since its inception, the ICBL Spelling Bee has drawn participants from both public and private schools across Barbados, offering students a platform to compete for prestigious honors and valuable prizes. This year’s edition promises to be even more engaging, with organizers teasing new elements to enhance the experience.

As anticipation builds, educators and sponsors continue to champion the Spelling Bee as a vital platform for inspiring academic excellence and nurturing a literate, confident generation.

The Caribbean and the global Anglican community are united in mourning the passing of Archbishop Drexel Gomez, a revered figure in the Anglican Church, who died at the age of 88. Born in the Bahamas, Gomez made an indelible mark on the religious and social fabric of the region. At just 36, he was consecrated as the Bishop of Barbados on June 24, 1972, becoming the first and only Caribbean-born bishop in the diocese’s 200-year history. He served in this role for two decades before ascending to Archbishop of the Church in the Province of the West Indies in 1998. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados fondly remembered Gomez as a ‘soft-spoken gentleman’ whose warmth and dignity endeared him to all. She highlighted his courage in addressing social and political issues from the pulpit, even during tumultuous times in Barbadian politics. Anglican Bishop of Barbados, the Right Reverend Michael Maxwell, praised Gomez’s lifelong dedication to the church and his unwavering service to the diocese and the wider Anglican Communion. Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis also paid tribute, recalling Gomez’s guidance and moral clarity, which left a lasting legacy. Gomez’s life was a testament to faith, leadership, and service, and his passing marks the end of an era for the Caribbean Anglican community.