CIBC FirstCaribbean hosts three days of events for IWD

THE three-day programme of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2019 at CIBC FIrstCaribbean International Bank had the aim of connecting with female staff, women from vulnerable communities and students.

On Thursday 7th March 2019, female staff drawn from all branches of the bank, were celebrated in a novel team-bonding Paint & Sip evening of fellowship and fun.

Image: Staff from all branches of the bank were celebrated as part of a new paint and sip experience. — Staff from all branches of the bank were celebrated as part of a new paint and sip experience.

A highlight of the evening was donations to the Saint Lucia Crisis Centre and the Upton Garden’s Girls Centre at a combined total of $5,000.

The evening opened with a motivational presentation by Leadership and Human Resource Development specialist, Dr. Thecla Fitz-Lewis on this year’s theme – #BalanceForBetter. The event also patronized the business of a young female entrepreneur whose product aligns with this year’s theme. Bel Koule Paint & Sip Entertainment Services which is operated by Ms. Maundy Lewis.

Image: SALCC student Tara Moses worked closely with Branch Manager Smerna Pompelis Kangal. — SALCC student Tara Moses worked closely with Branch Manager Smerna Pompelis Kangal.

The following day, International Women’s Day saw Miss Tara Moses, a second year student from the Business Administration Department of Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) “shadowing” Branch Manager Mrs. SmernaPompelis-Kangal for the day. Ms. Moses described the experience as “very informative” and added that it introduced her to “a new side of banking and financing which I had no idea about”.

Image: Donations to the Upton Gardens Girls Centre and the Saint Lucia Crisis Center amounted to $5,000. — Donations to the Upton Gardens Girls Centre and the Saint Lucia Crisis Center amounted to $5,000.

Mrs. Pompelis- Kangal said that “in addition to joining in the expression of solidarity with women the world over, the bank also embraces the role of raising awareness about International Women’s Day and its significance both internally and within the community. As a rule, team members are encouraged to incorporate the IWD brand colours of purple, green and white into their dress for the day, and to support corporate outreach initiatives through personal contributions.

Image: As part of celebrations donations were also made to the female section of the Bordelais Correctional Facility. — As part of celebrations donations were also made to the female section of the Bordelais Correctional Facility.

“Our internal focus is also intended to encourage our team members to see themselves both as empowered women and as champions in their own spheres of influence,” she added.

Staff members also made a donation of personal care products to the female section of the Bordelais Correctional Facility on Monday March 11, 2019 to complete their IWD activities.