Two individuals who have made an indelible mark on the lives of hundreds of
persons across the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, were on Tuesday
presented with the Governor General’s Faithful and Meritorious Service Award.
The two – the Hon. Chesterfield Brewster of Barbados and Christopher Holder,
SCM, of Switzerland – are joint founders of the Maria Holder Memorial Trust
Award, which is based in Barbados, but which has funded more than one hundred
and sixty-three (163) projects across the Caribbean, including twelve (12) of which
are here in Antigua and Barbuda.
“Twelve (12) projects were completed in Antiqua and Barbuda over the years with
some charities being the recipient of long-term funding. The first project
undertaken by The Maria Holder Memorial Trust was the renovation of the Liberta
Sports facility that was officially opened on 10 March 2016. Other projects worthy
of mention include Island Academy International; Friends of the Care Project and
the Maria Holder Early Childhood and Resource Centre in Buckley’s that was
constructed to provide the administration of Early Childhood Education and
was officially opened in April 2022. Other projects funded were within the
sectors of Education and Training and Health,” the according to the Citation read
at the Investiture Ceremony at Government House.
The Citation added that when one thinks of a person or people who epitomise
philanthropy and humanity at its greatest, these two gentlemen are exceptional
examples. “Separately or collectively both Christopher Holder, SCM and the Hon.
Chesterfield Brewster take their roles as Founders of their respective charities
seriously as they evaluate each and every project based on its merit, potential
benefits and its impact on society,” it added.
The projects undertaken by both Hon. Chesterfield Brewster or Christopher Holder
all follow a common path; the funding of educational initiatives to empower future
generations, supporting healthcare programmes to ensure access to quality medical
services or championing environmental conservation efforts to preserve our planet.
Through strategic giving and active involvement, both recipients strive to address
pressing social and cultural issues. They both leverage their resources strategically
across the varied charities to maximise impact and to effect lasting change
especially for those persons who are vulnerable or marginalised.
Over the last 15 years they have supported many innovative projects aimed at
creating a better world for all project beneficiaries across the Region and beyond
through partnerships with various Non-Governmental and Government
partnerships.
