Public support for World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, observed in Antigua and Barbuda on Friday March 21, 2025, is growing every year. This year while the central theme was “Improve our Support Systems”, one of the traditional sub themes was “Lots of socks” and everyone was encouraged to wear multi-coloured socks to participate and raise awareness.
For the second successive year, the staff of CIBC Caribbean not only donned their multi-coloured socks to support this international campaign to raise awareness of Down Syndrome, but the bank also made a contribution of EC$2,500 to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) to support their work in this area.
Dr. Saleem Hughes, Chair of the Paediatric Department SLBMC, expressed thanks.
“On behalf of the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, as well as our patients and their families, we extend our sincere gratitude to CIBC for their generous contribution to our cause. Your support is greatly appreciated, and we encourage other institutions to follow suit as we work towards enhancing our support systems moving forward.
Let us be the catalyst for the change we wish to see in Antigua and Barbuda, inspiring others to follow our lead in making a positive impact.”
The bank’s Human Resources Officer, Jesseca Ormond Byers, said that CIBC Caribbean believes in offering support and becoming involved in issues that will improve our country.
“We are so privileged to be here for the second successive year, to offer our support to the staff at SLBMC and to thank you for your dedication. We encourage individuals and organizations to champion the rights and dignity of individuals with Down Syndrome, not just today, but every day. Our collective efforts will continue to make a positive difference”.
CIBC Caribbean reaffirms its dedication to support these initiatives as we strongly believe in social corporate responsibility.”
World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on March 21, beginning in 2007. The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome. The General Assembly of the United Nations has decided to observe it each year since 2012
