Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference invests $2 million in Eastern Caribbean community partnerships

Republic Bank (EC) Limited has announced the commencement of the 2025–2026 cohort of its Power to Make a Difference (PMAD) programme, marking the Bank’s fourth consecutive year of impactful, purpose-driven social investment across the Eastern Caribbean.

This year, the initiative brings renewed energy and fresh innovation to the region
under the theme: Powered by Purpose, Transforming Communities. A Presentation
of Partners event was held on December 10, 2025 at the Sandals Grande
Ballroom, Saint Lucia and unveiled 14 new and returning partners across six
territories in the Eastern Caribbean.

In just five years, Republic Bank has invested more than $6.3 million in
community initiatives across its six Eastern Caribbean territories including an
investment of close to $2 million in its PMAD programme in the last three years,
with more than $500 000 invested in St Lucia alone. During the 2024/2025 cycle,
PMAD supported initiatives that empowered youth through education and cultural
programmes, advanced environmental preservation and sustainable practices,
provided healthcare and assistance to differently-abled persons and fostered
entrepreneurship and sports development across the region.

Managing Director for Republic Bank (EC) Limited Group, Tracy Bartholomew, in her
feature address reaffirmed the philosophy behind PMAD: “True power lies in
purpose. And when purpose drives us, transformation is inevitable. Every action we take — every partnership we forge — has the potential to change lives. Together, we
will continue to make a difference — one project, one community, one life at a time.”

Through PMAD, the bank champions community development by supporting
organisations that reflect the Bank’s dedication to the United Nations Principles for
Responsible Banking and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).

For Anguilla, PMAD continues to fuel opportunity and future-ready skills. The
Anguilla Sailing Association, a returning partner, is revitalising national sailing
development with new vessels and expanded training to keep local maritime
heritage alive while nurturing teamwork and confidence in young sailors. Alongside
them is new partner, the Anguilla Robotics Association, inspiring the next wave of
inventors by bringing robotics, coding, and AI education directly to young minds —
especially girls and underserved youth — through hands-on labs, workshops, and
competition-ready training.

In Dominica, the programme expands into culture and education with the
Waitikubuli Artist Association, who will establish the island’s first formal Visual Arts
Diploma Programme — a groundbreaking step for the creative economy.
Meanwhile, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, a valued returning partner, is creating a
welcoming new playground for children of the Morne Jaune Primary School,
encouraging safe outdoor play, movement, and childhood development.

In St Kitts and Nevis, the Federation welcomes a new partner, the St Kitts and Nevis
Robotics Association, giving over 150 students the chance to explore engineering concepts through robotics, mentorship, and STEAM challenges — shaping pilots,
programmers, and innovators of tomorrow. Alongside them, returning partner the
Sandy Point Agricultural Co-operative Society continues to strengthen food security
by expanding rainwater harvesting systems to support farmers and climate-resilient
agriculture across the community.

In St Vincent and the Grenadines, Esther’s Promise joins as a new PMAD partner,
offering safe housing, empowerment training, and life-skills development for
vulnerable young women, helping them rebuild confidence and transition toward
independence and employment.

Meanwhile in Sint Maarten, community impact continues to grow through three
powerful partnerships. Returning partner Freegan Food Foundation is tackling food
insecurity head-on by combining nutritional assistance with emotional support,
budgeting skills, and wellness guidance for families in need. EPIC, another new
partner, is establishing a social-inclusion recycling workspace, bringing together
youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities to reduce plastic pollution while building
practical skills. Returning partner, the National Institute of Arts (NIA), continues to
use orchestral music as a tool for social inclusion, opening doors for underprivileged
children to discover confidence, discipline, and joy through performance and
cultural expression.

This cycle also brings impactful momentum to Saint Lucia, where innovation,
inclusion, and youth development stand strong. Orbtronics, a returning PMAD
partner, remains a leader in STEM empowerment, offering advanced robotics and
industry-level training that prepares young students for scholarships, university
placement, and global tech careers. The National Council of and for Persons with
Disabilities continues its forward-thinking media-based aquaponics programme,
equipping persons with disabilities to grow food, earn income, and operate modern agriculture technology independently, fostering dignity and self-sufficiency. The
Daren Sammy Foundation, founded by the legendary Saint Lucian cricket hero,
continues to open doors for promising student athletes from low-income
households through mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and leadership
development, shaping disciplined, confident future citizens. Joining them as the
newest partner is St Mary’s College Secondary School, whose robotics, coding, and
ICT programme aims to close the digital divide by giving young boys hands-on
access to technology, nurturing the next generation of engineers, programmers, and
digital creators prepared for the global economy.

Speaking at the event, PMAD partner for 2025-2026 for Saint Lucia, Orbtronics spoke
to the strength of the relationship between RBEC and the PMAD partners.

“Their investment as a partner is not silent, and has assisted their partners in
learning, growing and expanding past the bounds of the initial imagination of
programs. We see a care from them that goes beyond the obligation of Corporate
Social Responsibility and has nurtured authentic relationships under the umbrella of
a shared passion for positive, lasting change”.

Together, these partnerships reflect RBEC’s unwavering belief in community-led
progress and its commitment to creating opportunities for the next generation.
Through PMAD, the Bank continues to invest in programmes that strengthen social
structures, promote equity, protect the vulnerable, encourage innovation and help
Caribbean people thrive.

About Republic Bank (EC) Limited
Republic Bank (EC) Limited is a trusted financial institution serving six territories
across the Eastern Caribbean; Anguilla, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Sint Maarten. As a member of Republic Financial
Holdings Limited (RFHL), the Bank is committed to driving sustainable economic
and social development throughout the region. Guided by the United Nations
Principles for Responsible Banking, Republic Bank (EC) delivers innovative financial
solutions, empowers families and businesses, and invests in programmes that
strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations. Through
strategic partnerships, customer-focused service, and a purpose-driven corporate
philosophy, Republic Bank (EC) continues to play a leading role in supporting the
growth, resilience, and prosperity of the Eastern Caribbean.

About the Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) Programme
The Power to Make A Difference (PMAD) Programme is Republic Bank’s flagship
corporate social responsibility initiative, dedicated to creating long-term,
measurable impact across the Caribbean. Introduced in the Eastern Caribbean in
2022, PMAD has engaged in 50 partnerships across six territories, investing more
than EC$2 million to empower youth, strengthen communities, protect the
environment, expand access to healthcare, and foster innovation and economic
Resilience. (PR)

The article Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference invests $2 million in Eastern Caribbean community partnerships is from St. Lucia Times.