CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, in partnership with Hands Across the
Seas, have made several donations of books and other school supplies to two
schools, one primary and the other secondary.
The bank said in a release that the donation of books is being done to support
libraries across the OECS. Presentations were made to the Antigua Girls High
School (AGHS) and the Pigotts Primary School.
“The partnership between Hands Across the Sea and CIBC FirstCaribbean started
over five years ago. To date the FirstCaribbeaan ComTrust Foundation has made
donations in excess of one hundred and ten thousand US dollars (US$100,000) to
this worthwhile project across the OECS,” the release stated.
During the presentations, Vernest Mack, Literacy Link for the programme noted
that CIBC has been a major contributor to Hand Across the Sea for a few years.
“Their timely donations have enabled Hands Across the Sea to purchase books for
libraries in Antigua and Barbuda. This is greatly appreciated. As representatives
for Hands Across the Sea in Antigua and Barbuda, my colleague Hyacinth
Gonsalves Barriero and I, ensure the books are in the schools and they are being
utilized to the maximum. This we have been doing since January, 2020. We extend
sincere thanks to CIBC on behalf of Hands Across the Sea, and look forward to
continued support,” she stated.
The bank’s Country Head, Ladesa James-Williams, also spoke at the presentations
and encouraged the students to fall in love with reading.
“I am delighted and honoured to be here and bring greetings from the management
and staff of CIBC. We are pleased to continue our 5-year partnership with Hands
Across the Sea to improve literacy in the OECS and ensure that every child has
access to quality books that are exciting and intriguing to read,” she explained.
The bank official added that in Antigua alone, over 100 library projects, from pre-
schools through to secondary schools and community groups have also benefitted.
