The Financial Services Cares initiatives was established in 2015 by members of the Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) and the Association of International Banks and Trusts Companies (AIBT) to support disaster recovery projects that benefit youth and education in particular. In the wake of Hurricane Dorian, the BFSB and AIBT with the support of its members committed itself to raising funds to assist with the relief and recovery efforts and bring aid to those negatively impacted by the hurricane, in particular the children in the most northern islands of The Bahamas.
On November 17th, BFSB along with the AIBT presented the Director of Education, Mrs. Dominique McCartney Russell, with computers and electronic items to meet the technology needs of all of the schools in the Abaco School District.
The equipment included ninety (90) laptops, seven (7) printers and one hundred and one (101) document cameras to support immediate learning needs and to make the transition back to face to face learning easier for both teachers and students. At the presentation, BFSB and AIBT shared with the Director that The Financial Services Cares Initiative has also secured playground equipment for all of the schools in the Abaco District.
BFSB’s CEO and Executive Director, Dr. Tanya McCartney in making the presentation noted that : “Hurricane Dorian severely impacted the education system in the Northern Bahamas. The Financial Services Cares Initiative strongly supports youth development efforts and enhancing the educational experience of our children. We wanted to ensure that students and teachers are supported as they recover from Hurricane Dorian and the COVID 19 pandemic. We look forward to touring the schools in Abaco once the playground equipment has been installed. We will continue to partner with The Ministry of Education to support recovery efforts in Grand Bahama and the affected areas in need of resources.”
Miss Anastacia Johnson , representing The Association of International Banks and Trust Companies echoed the sentiments of Director McCartney noting that: AIBT through its Code of Conduct, maintains a strong commitment to social issues with a particular focus on training local Bahamian staff and the promotion of Bahamas financial services. This means that we must start with our young bright minds as we seek to ensure the sustainability of the sector. Education is a critical social factor that we believe it is important to invest in.”
The Director of Education, Mrs. Dominique McCartney-Russell upon receiving the computers and equipment thanked BFSB/AIBT and The Financial Services Cares Initiative for the generation donation. She stated that “The children in Abaco and the northern Bahamas have been severely impacted by Hurricane Dorian and the COVI-19 pandemic. Our team on the ground is eager to utilize the equipment to enhance learning. With respect to the donation of the playground equipment, Director McCartney noted that “In the wake of Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic, the children need an outlet, and the playground equipment will do well for development and pyscho-social support systems. It will provide a place for them to be children. The Abaco community at large thanks BFSB and AIBT for their generosity.”