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CSR Regional Snapshots
See which companies are investing in sustainable communities in the Caribbean
Barbados
Sagicor and the Deaf Heart Project go Tech
In December, Sagicor financial services purchased and donated several laptop computers, noise-cancelling headphones, and other pieces of electronic equipment to assist with the organisation’s training and outreach programmes.
This donation represented Sagicor’s principal contribution to the DHP, as part of the 2022 edition of the former’s
new annual Helping Hands initiative. Also included in the programme were sign language workshops for Sagicor team members, and financial management for entrepreneurs in the deaf community. Sagicor also provided $3,000 in backto-school vouchers for students at the Irving Wilson school for the start of the January 2023 school term. According to DHP Founder Che Greenidge the equipment will be utilised in the training and development of the deaf community in Barbados, by creating opportunities for skills training and other programmes aimed at facilitating their growth and progression.
In September of last year, Sagicor embarked on a new, annual, corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, Helping Hands, a programme that saw the company making a commitment to uplift three non-governmental organisations (NGO’s). The Deaf Heart Project in Barbados; Servol Life Centres, Trinidad and Tobago; and Lake Health and Wellbeing in St. Kitts and Nevis were the winners chosen to receive support from the insurer.
Republic Bank Barbados. Making a difference in energy conservation
This year, Scarred Not Shattered (SNS) and Supreme Counselling for Personal Development (SCPD) were welcomed into the Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) programme at a launch on April 2.
Managing Director and CEO of Republic Bank (Barbados) Anthony Clerk stated that the two organizations were chosen specifically because of the work they do and the support they offered to at-risk groups.
While Scarred Not Shattered assists individuals who experienced instances of abuse and domestic violence, Supreme Counselling for Personal Development focuses on crisis intervention and offers a range of support services and programmes.
Other organizations which would continue to benefit from the bank’s assistance included SickKids Caribbean; Transplant Links Community; Barbados Adventure Race; Diabetes & Hypertension Association of Barbados; the St. Ambrose School; Barbados Environmental Conservation Trust; Barbados Diabetes Foundation and the One Tree For Every Bajan initiative.
Guyana
CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Sponsors National Schools’ Table Tennis Championships
CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited (CPGL) has partnered with the Guyana Table Tennis Association (GTTA) to sponsor the first nationwide National Schools’ Table Tennis championship in Guyana.
The collaboration is the culmination of months of discussion and planning for the execution of a truly national sporting activity.
The Championship is set to roll out in all ten Administrative Regions of Guyana. This initiative is expected to significantly enhance the sport of Table Tennis by:
• Providing opportunities for new talent to have an active platform to showcase their skills.
• Representing their schools, while re-establishing the Schools' Championships as a basis for the GTTA’s development thrust by having players actively participate in table tennis activities on a recreational and competitive basis.
• Developing an active framework for school competitions through School Leagues, and linkage of players to clubs in regional hubs.
• Serving as a catalyst for creating a talent identification, development and incubation systems for the recruitment, training orientation, development and teaching of life-long skills which will positively enhance the profile and marketability of the sport, impact higher performances and sustainability of the sport at the national and international level.
GRFU teams up with Trophy Stall for Sevens tournament
Popular businessman Ramesh Sunich has once again collaborated with the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) to host a much-anticipated tournament at the weekend.
Sunich, through the household name of his company, Trophy Stall, has donated the trophies and medals for the GRFU/Trophy Stall Sevens tournament, set for Saturday, April 29, at the National Park.
During a brief meeting this week, Sunich handed over the prizes to Public Relations Officer of the GRFU, Godfrey Broomes.
The businessman, who is a long-standing sponsor of Guyana’s Rugby and other sport associations, took time out to encourage other business owners, to take seriously their corporate social responsibility. He noted that his continued contribution to sport in Guyana is a key factor in his success and recognition of his business.
The rugby tournament will be contested by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) ruggers, Guyana Falcons and Panthers. The GDF ruggers will aim to remain unbeaten after winning the last Sevens tournament a month back. Falcons won the Sevens tourney in February, while Panthers were runnerup in both.
(Source: Guyana News Room)
KGM Security gifts another new home to staff
KGM Security Services Inc. continues its year-end tradition of bringing smiles to its staff in a very tangible manner. It donated a new home to Ronaldo Layne, who has been with the company for seven years.
KGM constructed the three-bedroom home for the father of two at La Bonne Intention, East Coast Demerara, for over G$7M.
KGM Director Hansraj Singh highlighted that the company is highly committed to its corporate social responsibility and supporting its staff’s personal development.
The new home was given to Ronaldo Layne, who has been with the company for seven years. “We are about giving back, and what better way to give back to one of our own who goes beyond the call of duty. We have always kept the Christmas tradition of helping those in need, which is our way of showing appreciation,” Singh stated.
Two years ago, KGM did the same for another staff. Layne was ecstatic and thanked his superiors for what he called a “life-changing” moment for him and his family. His wife, Shevonne Layne, stated that they will move out from where they currently rent as soon as the necessary utilities are installed in the area.
(Source: News Room)
Jamaica
RUBIS Campers Build Self-Confidence and Relationship Skills
Aimed at boosting STEAM learning and fostering confidence, Rubis Energy Jamaica Limited launched a summer camp for over 100 participants, titled ‘Envisioning a New World in August of 2023. Campers who were between the ages of six and twelve, spoke enthusiastically of how the camp helped them by giving them tools and techniques to overcome shyness and be more assertive. The programme immersed children in STEAM subjects and included dancing and art as forms of self-expression. The Jamaica Environment Trust and Dispute Resolution Foundation also provided skills training.
The Digicel Group wins global Social Contribution Award for work in Haiti
Digicel Group emerged as the winner of the Social Contribution Award at the 2022 staging of the World Communication Awards.
The Social Contribution Award celebrates the service provider demonstrating the greatest positive impact on the market it seeks to address. Digicel’s award submission showcased the extensive work the Digicel Haiti Foundation has done in the field of education throughout the nation, building 188 schools, resulting in more than 100,000 Haitian children accessing education in a Digicel-built school each day.
Started in 2007, under the patronage of Digicel Founder and Chairman, Denis O’Brien, the Foundation in Haiti strives to ensure that communities have a better future by supporting community-based activities, with a particular emphasis on those improving access to and quality of early childhood and primary school education.
Oliver Coughlan, Digicel Group CEO said, “The work we do in Haiti is very near and dear to all our hearts; it’s a country populated by people full of potential, but plagued by numerous challenges. Winning this award is testament to the phenomenal work done by the Digicel Haiti Foundation team to empower the children of Haiti to reach their full potential by educating the nation so no one gets left behind.”
NCB’s socially responsible IPO provides fund-raising opportunities for Jamaican communities
Capital Markets Limited (NCBCM) announced that it will co-broker Jamaica’s first social initial public offering (IPO), Project STAR, and waive all associated fees, enabling Jamaicans to seamlessly participate in this historic event. According to the company, this move firmly underscores its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, as every participant will have an equal opportunity to partake in this inaugural IPO.
“The introduction of NCBCM’s GoIPO in facilitating ‘contributions’ through the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange marks a significant milestone for Jamaica’s charity, social enterprise, and corporate social responsibility initiatives. By offering fund-raising opportunities that promote broader accessibility and inclusivity, it has revolutionized the way Jamaicans can engage with social investments,” Project STAR Project Lead Saffrey Brown.
The Project STAR social IPO aims to address long-standing social challenges faced by Jamaica, particularly those most likely to contribute to crime and violence.
CEO of NCB Capital Markets Limited Steven Gooden shared his excitement about the launch of the IPO, noting: “Project STAR is committed to making a significant difference in social issues, and so NCBCM is delighted to support a forward-thinking strategy for social intervention. This signifies a historic milestone for Jamaica, and we feel privileged to be involved in this endeavour.”
(Source: The Jamaica Observer)
Trinidad and Tobago
KFC Plants seedlings to mark Corpus Christi celebrations
In June, to mark the Corpus Christi Feast Day, customers visiting any KFC restaurant received complimentary seedlings which the fast-food chain hopes will inspire individuals to reconnect with nature and foster a sense of responsibility for the environment, and encourage customers to embrace a spirit of renewal and growth.
Roger Rambharose, Vice-President of KFC and Pizza Hut also stated, "At KFC, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of our customers and the world we all share. '"By sharing these seedlings, we hope to inspire our customers to embrace the concept of growing as much of our food as we can. We believe that every plant represents a step towards a sustainable and thriving future for all."
In keeping with its focus on the environment, Rambharose promised that the next event will be a hike to Lady Chancellor Hill next week to plant 1,500 trees, adding that in all, over 5000 trees are expected to be planted before the end of the year by the company.
(Source: Loop News)
Proman launches foundation with US$1.65m investment
Proman launched its first charitable entity, the Proman Foundation, on Monday. Proman said the foundation will create a new structure and embed an employee-led approach to the company’s long-term community engagement, skills development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in TT.
The foundation will begin with an initial investment of US$1.65 million for 2022-2023. Proman said with this allocation, it will continue to build partnerships with local and global programme partners to deliver highimpact initiatives.
Claus Cronberger, Proman Trinidad’s executive director and chairman of the Proman Foundation said, "We are extremely proud to launch the Proman Foundation, which builds on our longstanding commitment to community support and development across TT. The foundation enables our team to increase targeted support to initiatives
delivering measurable and lasting impact, which are closely aligned with Proman’s core sustainability commitments. Most importantly, our employees will be at the heart of the foundation, actively engaged in every step of the process, from nominating, screening and assessing each partnership, to volunteering their efforts to support the programmes that are delivering meaningful change within our communities.”
(Source: The Newsday)
Associated Brand signs MoA with Habitat for Humanity
Associated Brands Industries Ltd (ABIL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with NGO Habitat for Humanity Trinidad and Tobago (Habitat TT), which is aimed at neighbourhood revitalization, disaster resiliency and the provision of shelter access to the most vulnerable.
In a statement ABIL said the MoA between ABIL and Habitat TT was signed on April 27, 2023. Via the partnership, ABIL has pledged to invest a total of TT$1 million over a threeyear period which will enable housing solutions through repairs, community projects and training of community members with a focus on disaster mitigation and building resilient communities.
ABIL Group CEO/Deputy Chairman Nicholas Lok Jack said: “As part of our mission to achieve social sustainability, ABIL has pledged to empower our communities and employees through this effort. We are pleased to support the important work of Habitat for Humanity which continuously impact and improve livelihoods through their community work.”
(Source: Loop News)
