AIDS Foundation of Barbados, Inc.
The AIDS Foundation of Barbados, Inc. received a human rights grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to fund their Ambush Theatre Project. This project hosted twelve “ambush” performances throughout 2011 in various workplaces, to educate people about HIV/AIDS and shed light on the stigmas and discrimination endured in the workplace by people with HIV/AIDS. The project earned positive feedback and most audience members reported learning something new.
Al-Falah School
Al-Falah School in St. Michael, Barbados received ten one terabyte hard drives from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The school also received ten used computers. These property grants are used by the school to engage students and expand the scope of their education.
Ambassador Theodore R. Britton’s Visit to Barbados
In order to share stories of the American experience with the people of Barbados, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Ambassador Theodore R. Britton a cultural grant to support a speaking trip to Barbados. While in Barbados, Ambassador Britton spoke to Barbadian college aged students about his career path as African-American and his time in the U.S. Diplomatic Corps. Additionally, the Ambassador was interviewed by the national media about his vast experiences. Ambassador Britton was also the guest speaker at the U.S. Marine Corps Ball in Barbados.
AnimeKon Expo
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Trident Advanced Ideas Inc. a cultural grant to support AnimeKon Expo 2011. The funds will assist in advertising costs for the event. The goal of the expo was to provide developing artists and comic writers with a workshop to improve their skills and share this aspect of American culture. AnimeKon Expo 2011 was held in Barbados from July 2 to 3, 2011.
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Edgar Berganza and Chris Batista cultural grants to travel from New York to Barbados to speak at AnimeKon Expo 2011. Mr. Berganza, who is the executive editor at DC Comics, lent his expertise to the event to teach graphic artists how to apply their skills to comic books and other animated platforms. American comic book artist Chris Batista reviewed local artists’ portfolios and participated in panel discussion about breaking into the commercial art business. AnimeKon Expo 2011 was held July 2-3, 2011.
Barbados Association of Reading
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded The Barbados Association of Reading a property grant. The grant included six books related to teaching strategies, such as Successful Inclusion Strategies for Early Childhood Teachers by Cynthia G. Simpson and Laverne Warner and Positive Behavioral Support for the Classroom by Brenda K. Scheuermann. These books help prepare teachers to provide students with the best education possible.
Barbados Community College
The Barbados Community College received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant included eleven DVD collections. The DVDs covered topics such as American history, literature, culture, and government, and included titles such as “The American Mind: Parts 1 and 3” and “The History of the Supreme Court: Parts 1 to 3 of 3.”
Barbados Entrepreneurship Summit
Adrian Wilson received a prosperity grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to enable his participation in the Barbados Entrepreneurship Summit. The grant allowed Mr. Wilson an allowance during his stay and paid his accommodation costs. The summit was held November 15-17, 2010.
Barbados National Entrepreneurship Summit
The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation, Inc. received a prosperity grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to support the Barbados National Entrepreneurship Summit, hosted by the foundation. Stakeholders in the Barbadian business community discussed strategies to establish Barbados as a hub for entrepreneurship by 2020. The funds were used to pay the travel expenses and honorarium funds for three American speakers. The summit was held from September 27 to December 31, 2011.
Barbados Red Cross’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign
Under the Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Funds for 2010, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Barbados Red Cross a human rights grant. The Barbados Red Cross used the grant to host a Together We Can: HIV/AIDS Prevention Program. Through this program the Barbados Red Cross trained 139 students from five secondary schools to be peer educators. These students were taught the modes of HIV transmission, prevention methods, safe sex practices, and to treat people living with HIV/AIDS with respect. The peer educators were then tasked with sharing this information with their schoolmates through individual and group sessions.
Barbados Tennis Association’s Junior Tennis Program
In support of their sports education programs, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Barbados Tennis Association a property grant. This grant was used by the group to purchase a one terabyte hard drive to use with the computer provided to them through a previous grant. By teaching children to play tennis The Barbados Tennis Association encourages healthy habits, a love of exercise and provides them with the skills necessary to excel in the sport.
Barbados Tennis Association’ Junior Tennis Program
Organized sports have proven to be an effective tool in engaging with children and establishing healthy lifestyles. The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a cultural grant to The Barbados Tennis Association’s developing junior tennis program. Through this program children from schools across Barbados are brought together and taught basic tennis skills. Projects such as the junior tennis program encourage children to exercise in a fun and safe way.
Barbados Tennis Association’s Junior Tennis Program
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Barbados Tennis Association a cultural grant to continue a junior tennis program for primary school children. The junior tennis program was established in April 2012 and will continue into 2013. Through the program, which consists of a weekly lesson, 24 eight and nine year old children have learned basic tennis skills. These children are students at Blackman Gollop Primary, Grantley Prescod Primary, and the Luther Thorne Memorial School; all of which are located within five miles of the National Tennis Centre where the lessons are held. The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown grant pays the cost of coaching fees and transporting students to the National Tennis Centre. The junior tennis program supports efforts to engage children in healthy activities and develop athletic skills.
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded The Barbados Tennis Association a property grant. The grant included computer hardware, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 software, and Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium software. The Barbados Tennis Association, with support from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, has established a junior’s tennis program to teach young children tennis skills. The value of the grant is US$1,101.75.
Blackman-Gollop Primary School
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Blackman-Gollop Primary School a property grant. The school received 51 popular children’s books, including Hurricane Dancers: The First Caribbean Pirate Shipwreck by Margarita Engle and Music Was It: Young Leonard Bernstein by Susan Goldman Rubin. The grant was valued at US$606.19.
Blake Ashby- International Education Week Essay Contest
In keeping with efforts to promote quality education for all, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Blake Ashby, through her mother Kathy Ashby, a grant. Blake won a US$250 grant by writing the third place essay in the International Education Week 2010 Competition for Barbadian students.
Blue Teddy Bear Campaign
UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area was awarded a human rights grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to use in their effort to stop child sexual abuse in the Caribbean. The group applied the grant to their Blue Teddy Bear Campaign, which is striving towards raising awareness about sexual violence against children. At the November 20-21, 2012 UNiTE Conference UNICEF Eastern Caribbean Area distributed three-hundred blue teddy bear lapel pins. Projects such as the Blue Teddy Bear Campaign are giving a voice to a long silent group of victims.
BREAKout Swimming Clinic
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Titans Aquatic Swim Club in Barbados a grant to hold a children’s swimming clinic. The “2012 BREAKout Swimming Clinic” helped children, aged 7-18, improve their swimming skills. The grant allowed American Olympic swimmers Matt Grevers, Clark Burkle, Alyssa Anderson, and Annie Chandler to travel to Barbados to run the clinic. From their Olympian coaches, the young Barbadians learned the value of hard work and were inspired to train for the Olympics themselves. The children enjoyed the clinic very much and the Titans Aquatic Swim Club organizers were thanked afterwards by appreciative parents.
Bob Kiss- Photographer
Bob Kiss, a noted American photographer, received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to host a series of photography lectures and workshops. The goal of this series was to teach and encourage the work of Barbadian photographers and students, while at the same time disseminating American culture. Mr. Kiss lectured on portrait and black and white photography and conducted workshops on cyanotype and albumen printing. Mr. Kiss also received an Epson Perfection V750-M Pro Scanner, valued at US$919.00. The scanner was granted to Mr. Kiss for use in processing photographs for his “The Chattel Houses of Barbados” publication. Mr. Kiss brings 15 years of fine art knowledge to the program and will instruct photography students at an advanced level that most participants will not have previously experienced.
Boscobelle Primary School
In March 2013, Boscobelle Primary School received a property grant consisting of 34 books from Embassy Bridgetown. Ambassador Larry L. Palmer visited the rural school to present the new additions to the school’s library and enjoyed reading two books to the children. Among the donated books are All the Water in the World by George Ella Lyon, Bring on the Birds by Susan Stockdale, and King Jack and the Dragon by Peter Bently.
“Bri and Luk”- An Animated Tale of Climate Change
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Future Trust Center a prosperity grant to support their environmental efforts. The funds were used to create an animated movie about climate change and its impact on the Caribbean region. The movie, entitled “Bri and Luk- An Animated Tale of Climate Change” is based on a storybook written by Nicole Garofano for the Future Trust Center.
Business and Professional Women’s Club
As part of efforts to increase prosperity in the Caribbean region, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a grant to the Business and Professional Women’s Club in Barbados to host a workshop on grant proposal writing. Attendees were given guidance on the appropriate avenues and steps to submit a grant proposal. Members of the Business and Professional Women’s Club include entrepreneurs, community leaders, business owners, executives, professionals and young career women. Those who attended the workshop found it to be useful and it was generally well received.
The Business and Professional Women’s Club received computer hardware, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 software, Microsoft Windows 7 Premium software, and a one terabyte hard drive property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The awarded computer hardware will allow the club to better promote the services they provide to assist professional women.
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados a property grant to support their women’s shelter. The grant included seventeen books for use by the shelter’s children, such as Harlem: A Poem by Walter Dean Meyers and The Dreamer by Pam Munoz and Peter Sis.
Marrianne Burnham received an $852.00 prosperity grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to provide her with funds for meals and expenses during the Business and Professional Women Leadership Conference in New York. As President of the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Barbados, the focus of Ms. Burnham’s attendance was to participate in workshops addressing gender-based violence. The conference was held from March 4 to March 15, 2013.
Caribbean Academy of Sciences
To support the educational progress of students in the Caribbean region, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a cultural grant to the faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. The Caribbean Academy of Sciences (CAS) promotes the development of all scientific disciplines in the Caribbean, increases public awareness and understanding of science, and strives to be a resource for scientific expertise in the region. In November 2012 CAS hosted the CAS Conference and General Meeting in Barbados, whose theme was “Hazard Mitigation: Protecting Caribbean Infrastructure-Securing Caribbean Communities. The Pure and Applied Sciences faculty used this grant to pay the travel expenses of two Americans, Dr. Greg Holland and Dr. Pamela Fraser-Abder, who were invited to be guest speakers at the conference. Dr Holland is an expert on hurricanes and tropical meteorology. Dr. Fraser-Abder has devoted her career to the development of professional science teachers. Both speakers were well received at the conference and contributed to its overall success.
Caribbean Examinations Council
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Caribbean Examinations Council a property grant. The council received 16 educational DVDs related to math and science, including titles such as “The Joy of Science: Parts 1 to 5” and “Understanding the Universe: An Introduction to Astronomy: Parts 1 to 5.”
Caribbean Tales Film Festival
To support her participation in Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2011, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Neema Barnette a cultural grant. Ms. Barnette served as the festival’s key note speaker and led a master class on filmmaking. The grant funded Ms. Barnette’s transportation, travelling allowance and honorarium fee for the March 13-21, 2011 festival.
The George Washington House and Museum in Barbados received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant supported the costs incurred when the George Washington House and Museum hosted the Caribbean Tales Film Festival 2011. The festival included movie screenings and classes taught by successful members of the film industry.
Christian Mission of Bridgetown
The Christian Mission of Bridgetown received computer hardware, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010 software, Microsoft Windows 7 Premium software, and a one terabyte hard drive from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The computer equipment is intended to support The Christian Mission’s charitable programs in Barbados.
Christmas Jazz
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Deryk Walcott a cultural grant to host “Christmas Jazz” on December 11, 2010. The funds will support renting equipment and a venue for the event and conducting a master class workshop for aspiring musicians. Mr. Walcott gathered musicians with varied experiences and backgrounds to play together and mentor the next generation of jazz musicians in the Caribbean.
In support of music’s role in bringing people together, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a cultural grant to Barbadian Deryk Walcot’s to host the event “Christmas Jazz.” Mr. Walcott gathered noted musicians to perform together and celebrate the holiday season. The musicians also participated in a workshop to share their experiences and advice with aspiring musicians in Barbados.
In support of music’s role in bringing people together, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a cultural grant to Barbadian Deryk Walcot’s to host the event “Christmas Jazz.” Mr. Walcott gathered noted musicians to perform together and celebrate the holiday season. The musicians also participated in a workshop to share their experiences and advice with aspiring musicians in Barbados. The grant paid for musician fees, facility rental fees, and advertising costs.
Claire Millington- Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars and Secondary Educators
In keeping with efforts to promote prosperity in the Caribbean region, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Ms. Claire Millington a travel grant, valued at US$120.00. The funds helped Ms. Millington participate in the Study of the United States Institutes for Scholars and Secondary Educators. This program was held from June 17 through July 30, 2011 in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Community Recycling Centers
The Future Center Trust, a group that encourages recycling in Barbados, was awarded a prosperity grant by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The funds were used to promote and support the group’s outreach programs as they increased the number of organizations in the country with Community Recycling (CoRe) Centers from twelve to fifteen.
Cover Drive-No Witness, No Justice Song
The Barbadian band Cover Drive was given a human rights grant by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to produce a song in keeping with the themes of the No Witness, No Justice project. No Witness, No Justice (NWNJ) encourages citizen involvement and strives to teach young students how to implement the NWNJ program in their own schools. The program also models how social media can be used to build and maintain an online youth network. The objective is to prepare students to apply what they learn about citizen involvement, including how youth participate in civil society in the United States, in their own communities and countries. The Cover Drive song will be used to promote the NWNJ program and increase community involvement.
Dance4Life- HIV/STI Awareness Campaign
As part of the Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program Funds for 2012, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a US$10,000 human rights grant to Dance4Life. Dance4Life held educational programs for students from six Barbadian schools. Third form students engaged in Skills4Life programs and learned how to reduce behaviors that lead to the spread of HIV/STIs and reduce the social stigma that often accompanies HIV/STIs. Once they completed these programs the students disseminated their new knowledge to their peers through social media. In addition to their programs for school children, Dance4Life trained adults under thirty-five years of age to become peer educators. Dance4Life engaged with young people through fun activities that made them more receptive to learning, and subsequently more capable of spreading Dance4Life’s message via social media.
Dodds Prison Book Donation
Embassy Bridgetown awarded Dodds Prison in Barbados a property grant, consisting of 137 books, twelve magazines, and three educational board games. The games, such as “You’ve Been Sentenced” and “Apples to Apples,” are used to improve the reading skills of inmates. Among the donated books are Beloved by Toni Morrison and Lost Empire by Clive Cussler. Inmates are encouraged to expand their knowledge of the larger world, through National Geographic, Time, and Smithsonian magazines.
Dr. Jonathan Gayles- Black History Month
Dr. Jonathan Gayles, of Georgia State University, received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to participate in Black History Month events in Barbados and Grenada. Audiences in both countries screened his film Scripts and Black Superman: Black Masculinities in American comic books, in which Dr. Gayles examines how racial stereotypes are presented in comic books. In a lecture given at the University of West Indies, Cave Hill Campus Dr. Gayles discussed the threatening way African-American men are portrayed in films, such as “Birth of a Nation,” “Rocky” and “Hancock.” Following his lecture Dr. Gayles led an engaging discussion with the audience about the negative ways African-Americans are depicted in popular media and how that affects the way they are perceived in life. The audience, which consisted of members of the university community and the public, was receptive to Dr. Gayles’ ideas and participated in a lively debate.
Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust
Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust’s “Needy Children’s Program” received a human rights grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to provide basic school supplies to underprivileged children in Barbados. The grant paid for basic school supplies, such as textbooks, colored pencils, and notebooks and for supplies to help children enjoy learning, such as puzzles and musical instruments. Students were also supplied with backpacks and lunchboxes to take to school. This grant ensured that children from eight primary and secondary schools had the supplies they needed to go back to school for the 2012 school year.
Eden Lodge Youth Charitable Trust (ELYCT) received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to support underprivileged children. The funds were used to purchase school supplies, including books, rulers, markers, dictionaries, crayons, pencil cases, and drawing books. ELYCT distributed the materials to students for their return to school in September 2011.
EducationUSA Barbados
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded EducationUSA Barbados, located on the campus of Barbados Community College, a property grant. The grant consisted of the series “Peterson’s Graduate Guide Set 2012.” This six volume set will be used to improve the school’s EducationUSA program. The value for this grant is US$148.37.
Entrepreneurship Summit
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Mr. Bryan Pearce a prosperity grant. The grant funded a per diem for Mr. Pearce to facilitate his attendance at an Entrepreneurship Summit in Barbados. The summit was held November 15-17, 2010.
Mr. Greg Horowitt received a prospertity grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant funded Mr. Horowitt’s travel expenses incurred while attending an Entrepreneurship Summit in Barbados from November 16-17, 2010. Mr. Horowitt, co-founder of the consultancy Global CONNECT, shared his entrepreneurial experiences and expertise with the summit.
Future Center Trust’s CoRe Network
In keeping with ongoing efforts to pursue a sustainable Earth, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown has extended the grants given to the Future Center Trust’s CoRe Network. Under the new property grant CoRe procured 1,200 specially designed recycling bag, which are to be used by students to transport recyclable materials from their homes to recycling facilities under the “Bags to Eco Riches” program. The bags were distributed to students from three Barbadian schools. The Future Center Trust also received a multimedia projector, which will be used to support the Trust’s public education efforts.
Future Center Trust’s Earth Day Events
In celebration of Earth Day the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Future Center Trust a cultural grant to support their sustainability efforts in Barbados. Using these funds The Future Center Trust held an awareness program on Earth Day highlighting the need for sustainable agriculture and preserving Barbadian National Gullies. The program also explained the need to expand “permaculture” in Barbados by promoting sustainable architecture and horticulture.
Gale Theatre of Barbados and London
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Gale Theatre of Barbados and London a cultural grant to host two theatrical workshops and a Question and Answer session. The workshops and Q&A sessions, held after a performance of “The Mountaintop” by Katori Hall, will encourage participants to reflect on their circumstances and teach positive coping skills. Participants in this project will be 75 girls and women who receive free admission to the play and are invited to attend the workshop. The grant will pay costs associated with hosting the workshops, Q&A session and the production of promotional flyers. The Theatre in Education Workshops for Women will be held in Barbados from April 15-17, 2013.
Graydon Sealy Secondary School- No Witness, No Justice
Graydon Sealy Secondary School received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The school received 2 Apple iPads, an iTunes gift card valued at US$25, two iPod Smart Cases, and two Apple Care Protection Plans. The iPads will be used to continue the work of No Witness, No Justice in the school. Students from Graydon Sealy Secondary participated in the No Witness, No Justice pilot program, as well as the formal launch of the program in Barbados in December 2012. Graydon Sealy Secondary School is located on Paddock Road, St. Michael, Barbados.
In Fo Life HIV Youth Awareness Program
In keeping with the Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded D !dea Shop Limited a human rights grant. The organization used the funds to create the In Fo Life HIV Youth Awareness Program. Through this program D !dea Shop reached out to 165 boys and girls from three Barbados schools to teach them about HIV/AIDS. The program was divided into three sections (1) dispelling myths about HIV/AIDS, (2) sharing the realities of living with HIV/AIDS, (3) reducing stigmas of HIV/AIDS and encouraging students to make smart sexual choices. The goals of this project were to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS, create a better informed youth population, encourage preventative methods, and demonstrate a sense of urgency about the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Pre and post-seminar surveys illustrated that the program was useful and students were receptive to the lessons taught by In Fo Life.
“It’s A Fact”
Vividview received a human rights grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant was used to produce and create 105 copies of a ten minute animated video about drug resistance and education for the series “It’s a Fact.” In the video Sgt. Carl Williams of the Royal Barbados Police Force teaches primary school children, aged five to eleven, about drugs, drug related crimes, and peer pressure. The funds were also used to produce 3,750 copies of a magazine addressing “Drug Abuse and Resistance Education” (DARE) themes.
Jamal Callender- Black History Month
Using a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown, American professional dancer Jamal Callender held a series of ballet and contemporary dance workshops in Barbados from December 17-30, 2012. Throughout these workshops Mr. Callendar engaged with students from the Barbados Community College’s Associate Degree program, the EBCCI dance program, the University dance society, dance professionals, and members of the street dance community ranging from 16 to 69 years of age. Social media was utilized throughout Mr. Callendar’s stay to spread information about the events and provide a forum to discuss the classes. Through this program Mr. Callendar furthered his goal of growing interest in the activities and initiatives of the National Cultural Foundation, while sharing his experiences and love for dance with the people of Barbados.
“Jazz at Naniki”
Naniki Restaurant received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to support their two-day, outdoor “Jazz at Naniki” event. “Jazz at Naniki,” and other events like it, foster the sharing of American culture with the people of the Caribbean. The funds were used to rent microphones, timbales and other equipment for the event. The exciting acts featured included 1688 Big Band, made up of students and graduates of the Barbados Community College music program; solo act Raf Robertson of Trinidad; Guy Marc Vadeleux Trio from Martinique; American performer Andy Narell; and Barbadian musician Betty Payne. Audience members and participating artists gave glowing reviews of the event.
Jazz Workshops 2013
Embassy Bridgetown awarded cultural grants to American musicians to facilitate their participation in a series of jazz outreach programs in Barbados. The visiting musicians held several jazz workshops and taught one master class from March 31 to April 7, 2013. Grants were awarded to Ian Finkelstein, Marcus Miller, Joan Belgrave and jazz legend, Marcus Belgrave.
Junious Brickhouse- Black History Month
As part of the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown’s Black History Month calendar of events, urban dancer Junious Brickhouse received a cultural grant to hold dance workshops in Barbados and St. Lucia. Mr. Brickhouse, who has held such workshops in the Caribbean in the past, seeks to engage young people through these events. His programs will also highlight the many contributions African-Americans have made to American culture. Mr. Brickhouse’s events were held in St. Lucia from February 24-28, 2013 and in Barbados from February 28-March 3, 2013.
Keisann Callender- 2013 Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest
Keisann Callender won the 2013 Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest, hosted by Embassy Bridgetown. The Embassy awarded Ms. Callender, through her guardian, a US$100 grant, as a prize for her accomplishment. Ms. Callender attends Princess Margaret Secondary School in Barbados.
Love at Christmas Foundation
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Love at Christmas Foundation a cultural grant. The funds were used to host a Christmas event, entitled “Remember Me,” for disadvantaged Barbadian children. The children were given a special dinner and local musicians, such as Allison Hinds and Blood Red Plastic Bag performed for them. The event was held December 21, 2010.
Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School
To celebrate Black History Month the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School a property grant. The grant consisted of 48 children’s books, many of which share the experiences of African-Americans. The achievements of people such as Frederick Douglas, Rosa Parks, Marian Anderson and Duke Ellington are emphasized in this collection of books for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement and the arts.
Manifesto Barbados’ Artist Development Workshop
Manifesto Barbados received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to facilitate the attendance of American speakers at a developmental workshop for Barbadian artists. Mr. Michael Jeter and Mr. Howard Lindeman participated in the workshop to lend their assistance to the mission to grow the arts of Barbados. The event provided local artists the opportunity to showcase and discuss their work alongside their peers. Manifesto Barbados, held in Bridgetown from September 28 to October 23, 2011, offered workshops on music, audio engineering, street art, photography, culinary arts, dance, film, and spoken word.
Musical Workshops Hosted by Honey Jam
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Ms. Ebonnie Rowe of Honey Jam a cultural grant to enable an American artist to travel to Barbados. Ms. Rowe organized a musical workshop and show to promote development opportunities for female artists in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. The development of these artists, aided by instruction received at the event, will grow the artistic knowledge in the region and diversify the cultural offerings of the islands. The opportunities this program will open up to Caribbean women are in keeping with the U.S. Government’s desire to promote entrepreneurship and economically empower women.
National Entrepreneurship Summit
A prosperity grant was given to The Centre for Counseling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA) by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. CASA strives to encourage youths to complete their education by teaching them to manage their behavior. Young people aged 13-19 who exhibit aggressive, deviant, or anti-social behavior are referred to CASA by teachers, family, or community members. With the grant funds CASA paid venue rental fees and purchased materials that were used in anger management group therapy sessions. Three ten-week programs were held from September 27, 2011 to November 1, 2012. Purchased materials include DVDs, therapist manuals, and adolescent workbooks.
National Organization of Women
In support of human rights the National Organization of Women (NOW) promoted the 16 Days of Activism campaign. NOW received a grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to purchase t-shirts, which were worn by members of women’s organizations during a speaking tour of the St. Michael and Christ Church areas on December 8, 2012. During the tour residents received literature and heard speeches about domestic violence from prominent citizens, including NOW president Marilyn Rice-Bowen. This event successfully educated women about the resources available to them and ways to report domestic abuse.
Native Nations Dance Theatre Inc.
As part of Native American Heritage Month celebrations the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Native Nations Dance Theatre Inc. a cultural grant. The funds were used to facilitate travel from the United States to Barbados and Dominica for four troupe members. These dancers shared Native American culture with the people of the Eastern Caribbean through workshops and performances.
No Witness, No Justice
As part of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Office of the Attorney General a US$55,565.00 grant to support the No Witness, No Justice initiative. The grant funded a training program for teachers and students across the region to teach them how to implement No Witness, No Justice in their schools. Participants also learned to utilize social media to build lasting and effective youth networks. Through No Witness, No Justice Caribbean children learn about citizen involvement, how American youths participate in their communities and how they can participate in their own countries and communities. No Witness, No Justice also serves to build a virtual connection, under the CBSI Youth Network, between Caribbean and American children wherein each can learn about the other’s experiences and communities.
North American Association for Environmental Education Conference
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Future Centre Trust a prosperity grant to fund Ms. Lani Edghill’s travel expenses, enabling her to attend the North American Association for Environmental Education Conference. At the conference, Ms. Edghill received professional training from environmental experts. The Future Trust Centre works to promote environmental awareness and conservation education in Barbados. The North American Association for Environmental Education Conference was held in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina from October 12 to 15, 2011.
Paralympic Association of Barbados
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Paralympic Association of Barbados a cultural grant. The Paralympic Association of Barbados encourages individuals with physical disabilities to participate in sports. This grant was used to purchase a linoleum floor cover, necessary for GoalBall; a game played by members of the vision impaired community on the island.
Parent Education for Development in Barbados
The organization Parent Education for Development in Barbados (PAREDOS) was awarded a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The group received a used color copier and five colored toners. PAREDOS provides parents with guidance and support, offers childcare, and reaches out to at-risk youths. The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown chose to support PAREDOS as part of ongoing efforts to provide assistance to needy members of the community.
Parent Education for Development in Barbados
To promote prosperity in Barbados, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Parent Education for Development in Barbados (PAREDOS) a property grant. The organization received 36 copies of the book What Do People Do All Day? by Richard Scarry. PAREDOS provides parenting classes to model how parents can teach and engage with their children to create a happy and well-prepared generation.
Princess Margaret Secondary School
In celebration of Black History Month the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown presented Princess Margaret Secondary School with a property grant, used to purchase eleven books that tell the story of people of African descent in the United States. Many of these new books describe historic moments in the struggle for Civil Rights, including Separate but not equal: the Dream and the Struggle by Jim Haskins and Dare to Dream: Coretta Scott King and the Civil Rights Movement by Angela Shelf Medearis.
Princess Margaret Secondary School- No Witness, No Justice
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Princess Margaret Secondary School a property grant. The school received two Apple iPads, an iTunes gift card valued at US$25, two iPad Smart Case, and two Apple Care Protection plans. The iPads were given to the school to enable their continued participation and dissemination of the No Witness, No Justice project. The Princess Margaret Secondary School is located in St. Philip, Barbados.
Regional Youth Seminar 2011
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Barbados Youth Development Council (BYDC) a cultural grant. The funds were used to pay the travel expenses of six youth delegates, one each from the six OECS nations, to attend the Regional Youth Seminar 2011 in Barbados. The grant was also used to fund the rental of a U.S. Embassy Bridgetown booth at the Youth Expos, the seminar’s culminating event. The youth delegates were selected from organizations such as National Youth Ambassador Corps (Antigua & Barbuda), Dominica National Youth Council, National Youth Ambassadors Programme (Grenada), St. Kitts National Youth Parliament Association, RYC and National Youth Council (St. Lucia), St. Vincent and Grenadines Youth Council. The seminar was held August 11-13, 2011.
From August 8-13, 2011 the Barbados Youth Development Council hosted a Regional Youth Seminar to discuss the challenges faced by the region’s young people. To promote the welfare of children in the Caribbean, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a cultural grant to the Barbados Youth Development Council that was used to subsidize the travel costs of regional delegates. Because representatives from across the region were able to attend the seminar, many ideas for future plans to engage with youths were developed and shared.
River Road Nursery School Improvement Project
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the New Testament Church of God a cultural grant to improve the facilities of the River Road Nursery School. The funds were used to purchase office equipment for the organization, develop an outdoor play park, and purchase classroom supplies. The classroom supplies included ten children’s tables, three teacher’s desks, three teacher’s chairs, 30 infant chairs, and four children’s play mats.
Roman Rudnytsky Piano Tour
To support his trip to the Caribbean the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded pianist Roman Rudnytsky a cultural grant. Mr. Rudnytstky travelled to Barbados and Grenada November 7-8, 2010 to perform and meet with schoolchildren. This grant was used to purchase his airline ticket.
Concert pianist Roman Rudnytsky received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to meet with Barbadian students and perform for audiences in Barbados and Antigua. On December 3, 2012 Mr. Rudnytsky performed a sunset concert at Frank Collymore Hall. Then, Mr. Rudnytsky continued his Caribbean trip, travelling to Antigua where he met with the Antigua Girls High School and conducted a Master Class, in which he instructed the students in piano techniques. Mr. Rudnytsky also performed for a group at Antigua’s Dean Williams Cultural Centre.
Royal Barbados Police Force
To promote security in the Caribbean Basin the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded The Royal Barbados Police Force a property grant. The Royal Barbados Police Force received Encase V6 Cyber Software to use in cyber forensics investigations. The value of the grant is US$3,642.50.
S.H.A.R.E. Community Group
S.H.AR.E. Community Group received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant included 35 books related to the African-American experience, such as Duke Ellington by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children by Sandra L. Pinkney. The group awarded the books to 25 deserving children who have participated in S.H.A.R.E.’s Reading Program.
Save Foundation
The Save Foundation received a US$60.00 property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant money was used to purchase five books concerning domestic violence, including Why Does He Do That: Inside the Minds of Angry, Controlling Men by Lundy Bancroft and Next Time She Will Be Dead: Battering and How to Stop It by Ann Jones. The SAVE Foundation is a non-profit organization which counsels victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse in Barbados.
SAVE Foundation Outreach Programs
The SAVE Foundation received a human rights grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant was used to support three outreach programs to combat domestic violence in Barbados. Through these programs community leaders met to develop innovative strategies to address the issue. The events also sought to raise awareness about domestic abuse and encouraged people to contact the police in such cases. Participants were taught about their rights, intervention services, and non-violent approaches to conflict resolution. The grant funds were used to pay for stage, sound system, tents, and generator rentals for the programs.
“SportShot” Video Competition
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a video camera to Mr. Ian Bourne, in recognition of his being named the winner of the “SportShot Competition.” The property grant for Mr. Bourne’s video camera was valued at US$196.54.
Springer Memorial School
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Springer Memorial School a property grant. The grant included nine books, such as One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia and Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine.
St. Cyprian’s Preparatory Boys School
St. Cyprian’s Preparatory Boys School received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy. The school received 92 popular children’s books, including The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner and Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli. St. Cyprian’s Preparatory Boys Secondary School is located in St. Michael, Barbados.
St. Leonard’s Boy’s Secondary School
As part of the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown’s Black History Month celebration St. Leonard’s Boy’s Secondary School in St. Michael, Barbados received a property grant, which consisted of 36 books. On February 11th American professor Dr. Jonathan Gayles met with students from St. Leonard’s Boy’s Secondary School and presented them with the books. These new additions to the school’s library describe African-American experiences and culture and highlight the lives of renowned African-Americans. Individuals featured in these books range from President Barack Obama to Jackie Robinson to Oprah Winfrey.
St. Paul’s Primary School
St. Paul’s Primary School in Barbados received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant included 51 American children’s books, including 90 Miles to Havanna by Enrique Flores-Galbis and A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. All of the school’s new books were selected from the Notable Children’s Books List.
St. Peter Parish Church
The St. Peter Parish Church in Barbados received a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to support American organist Mr. Scott Dettra’s visit to Barbados. The grant funded Mr. Dettra’s airfare and spending allowance, so he could attend and perform at St. Peter Parish’s Annual Garden Festival. While in Barbados, Mr. Dettra also visited and performed for students at Coleridge and Parry Secondary School.
Tamarind Hall Library
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a property grant to the Tamarind Hall Library in St. Joseph, Barbados. The library received eighteen books about American history and culture, including The Statue of Liberty by Llyod Douglas and The First Thanksgiving by Andrew Santella.
The Centre for Counseling Addiction Support Alternatives
A prosperity grant was given to The Centre for Counseling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA) by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. CASA strives to encourage youths to complete their education by teaching them to manage their behavior. Young people aged 13-19 who exhibit aggressive, deviant, or anti-social behavior are referred to CASA by teachers, family, or community members. With the grant funds CASA paid venue rental fees and purchased materials that were used in anger management group therapy sessions. Three ten-week programs were held from September 27, 2011 to November 1, 2012. Purchased materials include DVDs, therapist manuals, and adolescent workbooks.
“The New World: Preserving Nature”
The Barbados Museum & Historical Society was awarded a cultural grant by the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grant supported the development and implementation of an environmental heritage exhibit at the Barbados Museum entitled “The New World: Preserving Nature.” The exhibit strove to educate the public about the importance of preserving the country’s environmental heritage. As part of the project a hike through Joe’s River Woods was organized to encourage people to discover Barbados’ natural history for themselves. The exhibition was held from October 17 to December 16, 2011.
Thelma Berry Nursery School
The Thelma Berry Nursery School, of Christ Church, Barbados, received a property grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The school received 51 children’s books, including We Are in a Book by Mo Willems and LMNO Peas by Keith Baker. The total value of the grant was US$565.98.
Tim Mathiesen- Photographer
Tim Mathiesen, an American photographer, was awarded a cultural grant from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown to support a lecture-presentation Mr. Mathiesen gave in Barbados on April 16, 2011. The lecture, entitled “Welcome to My Digital World,” allowed Barbadians the opportunity to learn about digital photography. The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown hosted the lecture in conjunction with the Barbados National Cultural Foundation and Photographic Society.
UN Women’s UNiTE Conference
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (UN Women) a human rights grant to support their UNiTE Conference. Community leaders gathered at the conference to discuss ways to combat sexual violence against children in the Caribbean. The grant was used by UN Women to rent microphones for the conference and other equipment needed to increase internet connectivity at the conference venue.
Urban Artistry Dance Troupe
Six members of Urban Artistry Dance Troupe received cultural grants from the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown. The grants funded the travel expenses of the individuals, so they could participate in a series of performances in Barbados, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The troupe also held workshops and conducted outreach activities in each of the three countries they visited. Urban Artistry Dance Troupe teaches children life lessons through their dance programs. The grantees were Junious Lee Brickhouse, Olyuwatoyin Sogunro, LaTasha Chanel Barnes, Emily Wessel, Brent Talley, and Baronhawk Poitier Williams.
Urban Video Competition
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Mr. Mikul Elcock, of Barbados, a property grant, consisting of a CISCO flip camera. Mr. Elcock earned the camera as the first place winner in the embassy sponsored Urban Video Competition.
Vicky Spencer- Teaching Special Needs Children
Teaching children with special needs requires a unique set of skills and resources. To equip teachers in Barbados with the ability to help students with special needs reach their full potential, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded a grant to Professor Vicky Spencer, an Associate Professor of Mild Disabilities at George Mason University, Virginia. Professor Spencer worked in conjunction with the Erdiston Teacher Training College and the Barbados Association of Reading to host workshops for Barbadian teachers to instruct them in the best ways to connect with students with special needs. Cultural exchanges of this nature ensure that knowledge developed in one country can improve the lives of people in another country.
Visual Domain Inc.- HIV/AIDS Education Documentary
In keeping with the Ambassador’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Program, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Visual Domain Inc. a US$9,962.50 human rights grant to be used to promote HIV/AIDS education in the Caribbean. Visual Domain Inc. produced a moving docudrama following the lives of a young woman and a young man who were diagnosed with HIV. The film explores how their diagnosis impacted the lives of these two young people and the lives of their loved ones. The subjects compare their lives with HIV to their lives before they were diagnosed. The emotional chord struck by this film encourages young people to practice safe sex.
Women’s Empowerment Tour- Meridian International Center
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Meridian International Center a cultural grant to support the travel expenses of journalists and enable their participation in the Foreign Press Center tour on “Women’s Empowerment.” The tour included meetings with government officials, NGOs, community groups, and media representatives to highlight women’s issues. The meetings were geared towards shedding light on gender based violence. The tour lasted from January 29 to February 4, 2012.
YMCA Literacy Programs
The U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded the Young Men’s Christian Association Barbados a prosperity grant. The funds were used to support a project to improve literacy for young men aged 15-19 who are currently reading at literacy levels below their age range. The project included having a Remedial Specialist test participants to measure their literacy levels. Based on the test results the young men will be provided support to improve their reading skills, such as IT-aided Reading and Comprehension and counseling intervention. The funds also provided skills training for these young men to prepare them for the job market.
“You’re A Star, Stella!”
In keeping with efforts to expand human rights awareness in the Caribbean, the U.S. Embassy Bridgetown awarded Do the Right Thing Limited a grant to produce a booklet geared towards teaching children about domestic violence and the steps they can take to stop it. Do the Right Thing Limited revised a booklet entitled “You’re A Star, Stella!,” produced by Voice UK, to suit the needs of children in the Caribbean. The booklet tells the story of a young girl who witnessed domestic violence and told her teacher, who contacted the police. Programs such as the “You’re A Star, Stella!” project are aimed at reducing physical abuse throughout the Caribbean.