Presentations were made on Wednesday 1st February, 2023 to the All Saints Secondary School and Christian Union Junior Academy.
Speaking at the presentation at All Saints Secondary School, Executive Director of Hands Across the Sea, Amanda Sherlip, noted that over the four years of the partnership, the FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation has given US$110,000.00 to the project.
“In Antigua alone, 103 library projects, from preschools through to secondary schools and community groups have benefited.
“We believe it is important to purchase and donate new, relevant, interesting and culturally responsive books. We are committed to buying new books because motivational reasons to read keep changing.”
The bank’s Country Head, Ladesa James-Williams, who is also a published author, also encouraged the students to read every day.
“Read every day. It is my commitment to reading every day that has contributed largely to my personal success that moved me from a humble little country girl to a mature bank manager. So read, read, read and increase your knowledge.”
Education Officer attached to the Library Services department in the Ministry of Education, Karen Browne-Francis, thanked CIBC FirstCaribbean and Hands Across the Sea for their ongoing commitment to literacy and their support of libraries in Antigua and Barbuda.
Respected educators, Vernest Mack and Hyacinth Gonsalves-Barreiro are the Hands Literacy Links in Antigua and Barbuda.
