Fifteen University of the West Indies Scholars receive CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Scholarship

Anitra George receiving her scholarship award from Mark St. Hill, Managing Director Operating Company, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

Bridgetown, Barbados, April 4th, 2012 — CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank is firmly committed to supporting regional development through its contribution to the tertiary education of the region’s young people. Since 2003, the bank has sustained its partnership with the University of the West Indies by funding joint initiatives which support the development of the UWI and its students across the region.

Through its registered charitable foundation, the FirstCaribbean International Comtrust Foundation Ltd., the bank awards fifteen scholarships annually, each valued at US$2,500.

The scholarships are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students, in any discipline, on any of the three campuses.

“The bank is keen to assist the UWI in ensuring that its graduates in banking, financial services and related areas are well-rounded individuals who are capable of taking their place as leaders in the Caribbean community,” commented chairman of the Comtrust Foundation, Mr. Michael Mansoor.

The scholarship winners were delighted to receive their awards from the bank, with many of them expressing heart-felt appreciation.

Commented Danielia Chambers a Jamaican national who is pursuing her Bachelor of Laws degree, “I was quite pleased to learn that I was a recipient of the CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank Scholarship. Your financial generosity has allowed me to be one step closer to my goal and has inspired me to help others by giving back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help other students achieve their goal just as you have helped me. “

Barbadian Gale Ann Jordan, pursuing her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance at Cave Hill echoed those sentiments: “Receiving this award is truly a blessing and it will do far more than just meeting my maintenance costs, books and fees. It will serve as a tangible representation of what hard work, persistence, dedication and sacrifice can really do. I truly feel celebrated. I am officially no longer just another Accounting and Finance student pursuing a degree at the University of the West Indies, I am now an investment, your investment and I am honoured. “

Kathrina Watson, a second year Law student at the Cave Hill Campus thanked the bank for believing in her and giving her the opportunity to achieve her dreams. She said: “I appreciate the move you have made to partner with the University of the West Indies. I truly applaud your initiative to lend a helping hand to those who are working hard and are in need of help. I do appreciate it. Thank you CIBC FirstCaribbean.”

The Comtrust Foundation is the governing body for the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. It ensures that 1 percent of the bank’s profits after tax annually is committed to important causes, which contribute to the social health of the Caribbean.