CIBC and Helen’s Daughters launch multi-year initiative

In a move poised to enhance regional economic development and gender relations, Helen’s Daughters has formally announced a multi-year partnership with CIBC Caribbean Bank. This collaboration will provide sustained funding for Helen’s Daughters’ flagship programs, the Life Academy and the Ag-Cademy, whose services are offered at no cost to women across Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.

This commitment aligns with CIBC Caribbean’s Culture of Care philosophy, demonstrating a strategic intent to invest in community resilience, foster economic opportunities, and drive transformative change in sectors crucial for regional stability. The partnership is designed to materially shift the landscape of women’s participation and leadership within the Eastern Caribbean agricultural sector.

The Life Academy operates as a monthly learning series aimed at cultivating well-rounded female leaders. The curriculum extends beyond core agriculture, incorporating essential topics vital for sustained personal and professional growth:

• Financial literacy and management: Equipping participants with critical business and financial planning skills
• Climate change adaptation: Preparing farmers to effectively manage and mitigate environmental risks
• Health and wellness: Addressing women’s health and nutritional knowledge for enhanced personal well-being
• Public speaking and leadership: Strengthening communication skills necessary for advocacy and leadership roles within their communities and businesses

The Helen’s Daughters Ag-Cademy is a ten-week programme that provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical tools to establish and manage sustainable and profitable agricultural enterprises. The curriculum integrates theoretical instruction with applied fieldwork, covering key areas such as:

• Sustainable farming practices: Promoting ecological stewardship and long-term land viability
• Nutritional marketing and intellectual property: Training in value-added product development and brand protection
• Agri-tourism integration: Exploring diversification strategies that link farming operations with the regional tourism sector

A testament to the program’s quality, the Ag-Cademy Certificate is officially recognised by Saint Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Rural Development as equivalent to the national “Good Agricultural Practices” (GAP) Certification. This high-level recognition facilitates the women’s ability to secure a formal Saint Lucia Farmer’s License, which, in turn, provides access to government agricultural concessions and secures premium pricing and market access with major retailers such as Massy Stores.

Nigel Ollivierre, country head, Saint Lucia, CIBC Caribbean, presented the contribution to Keithlin Caroo-Afrifa, executive director and founder of Helen’s Daughters, and articulated the bank’s vision. Ollivierre stated, “When women thrive, communities thrive. At CIBC Caribbean, our Culture of Care mandates the creation of opportunities that uplift individuals and strengthen community resilience. Helen’s Daughters is investing in women, families, and the future of regional agriculture, we are honored to support this transformative work as partners in progress.”

The official ceremony was fittingly held during an Ag-Cademy practical session at Mother Nature’s in Bloom Farm, providing CIBC Caribbean representatives with direct engagement opportunities with the women farmers and a firsthand view of the program’s tangible impact. (PR)