FCIB gets into the act

Young people in Barbados interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts will have the opportunity to do so thanks to CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank.

The bank recently presented Operation Triple Threat (OTT) with a scholarship for two students to attend its year-long performing arts programme next year. The presentation took place after the end of OTT’s 2015 production of The Wiz at the Frank Collymore Hall.

OTT creative director and founder, Janelle Headley, said that auditions for next year’s programme would take place in June.

“The scholarships which CIBC FirstCaribbean donated will help to provide an opportunity for them to receive training and pursue a performing arts career. The bank’s contribution also helps to provide a safe place to grow, a home away from home,” Headley said in thanking the bank.

In terms of the impact of OTT on students Headley explained: “For me the thing that stands out is a new sense of confidence among students, some of whom were quite insecure or came from a system where they did not quite fit in. After being in an environment with others like them it’s been great to see the transformation.”

She said several students had gone on to attend international performing arts institutions.

Managing director of retail, business and international banking, Mark St Hill said FirstCaribbean was pleased to continue its support of youth involved in developmental endeavours.

OTT is aimed at students between the ages of 7 and 21. The idea for the programme was inspired by the noticeable need for training for the youth to become what the entertainment industry calls a ‘triple threat’- skilled in each of the three disciplines of singing, dancing and acting. (PR)