Antigua. February 6, 2023. Students at two schools will benefit from the gift of books as a result of a partnership between Hands Across the Sea and CIBC FirstCaribbean, established four years ago to support libraries across the OECS.
Presentations were made on Wednesday 1st February, 2023 to the All Saints Secondary School and the 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 so far donated one hundred and ten thousand US dollars (US$110,000.) to this worthwhile project across the OECS.
“In Antigua alone, 103 library projects, from pre-schools through to secondary schools and community groups, have benefitted. 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.”
Mrs. Karen Browne-Francis, Education Officer, Library Services, the Ministry of Education, thanked CIBC FirstCaribbean and Hands Across the Sea for their ongoing commitment to literacy and the support being provided to libraries in Antigua and Barbuda.
Well known and respected educators Mrs. Vernest Mack and Mrs. Hyacinth Gonsalves-Barreiro serve as the Hands Literacy Links in Antigua.
