Republic Bank Awards $550,000 to New and Returning “Power to Make a Difference” Partners

Republic Bank (EC) Limited is making $50,000 available to 16 new and returning partners in the second cycle of its “Power to Make a Difference” (PMAD programme, which the bank in a release, said is a celebration of its commitment to community development and social responsibility. At a special event on August 20, 2024, at the Sandals Golf and Country Club in Cap Estate, Saint Lucia, the bank said it showcased the new and returning partners from across the Eastern Caribbean who have been awarded funding for their impactful initiatives.

PMAD is Republic Bank’s overarching social investment programme built on the knowledge that the bank has the power to make a difference by empowering others to learn, help, care and succeed. The release explained that this is done through collaboration with advocacy groups in the pursuit of building successful and sustainable societies.

Attended by representatives from Republic Bank (EC) Limited, the PMAD Advisory Council, and the PMAD Partners for Saint Lucia, the event recognized the new and returning partners through a token handover, which also comprised a cultural component, and the announcement made of the payout for the 16 partners.

“Our commitment to building and enhancing PMAD remains unwavering. We recognize the importance of nurturing and expanding this initiative to reach even greater heights,” Managing Director of Republic Bank (EC) Limited said.

This year’s event highlighted the diverse range of initiatives that the PMAD Programme will support for the second cycle, from education and youth development to agriculture and environmental sustainability.

In Anguilla, new partner- the Anguilla Sailing Association will be able to build on the work of their youth sailing programme which aims to introduce children from diverse backgrounds to sailing.

In Dominica, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth will create a playground at Temple SDA Primary School, and the Rotary Club of Dominica will use their funding to help the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities Inc (DAPD) to furnish the conference room at their multi-purpose development center.

Returning partner, the Rotary Club of St. Vincent, will restore a green space/ playground for the School for Children Special Needs; while the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in SVG, a new partner, will provide skills enhancement and beekeeping employment to vulnerable young people through the “Youthful Honey” project.

Three new partners were welcomed from Saint Kitts. The St. Kitts and Nevis Robotics Association, a Youth Education programme aims at promoting STEM and fostering educational opportunities in these critical fields; the Garden of Rebirth will help refurbish a shelter dedicated to female victims of domestic violence and their young children; and the Sandy Point Agricultural Cooperative Society will use the funding to help students master basic sustainable agricultural techniques through their Youths in Agriculture Farm School programme.

In St Maarten, the new partners are 721 Kids Foundation, and the National Institute of Arts Foundation; and returning partner, is Freegan Food Foundation.

The 721 Kids Foundation’ will support special needs children’s education by covering the refurbishment of classrooms and the construction of a ramp; while The National Institute of Arts Foundation, a new partner, will assist children with special needs through their interdisciplinary art and cultural education programme. Funding for the Freegan Food Foundation, a returning partner, will provide for a food bank which supports vulnerable groups.

Saint Lucia has three returning partners and two new ones.

Returning partners, Obtronics, will again conduct a Youths – Summer Programme focused on the inclusion of women in STEM; and the Daren Sammy Foundation will once again provide scholarships which cover tuition payments and school supplies such as stationery, uniforms and shoes.

The National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities Inc., will build on the funding provided in 2023 for their aquaponics facility with the further enhancement of a UV light filtration system.

The Saint Lucia Aquatics Federation, a new partner, will provide youth swimming programmes for students of all backgrounds, and the Youth in Arts Theatre Company who help preserve arts and culture among school-age youth through projects like the KiddiCrew Theatre Arts programme.

The bank said these partners were carefully chosen based on their proven track records and the potential impact of their proposed projects, noting that the funding provided by the bank will enable these organizations to expand their reach and enhance their programmes, ultimately contributing to the social and economic development of the Eastern Caribbean.