RF Merchant Bank & Trust awards Barbadian educators

RF Merchant Bank & Trust (RF) recently inducted ten exceptional teachers into the RF National Distinguished Teachers’ Awards (NDTA) Hall of Fame. At a ceremony held at the Hilton, the winners were presented with their awards and recognised for their outstanding service by their peers, the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, sponsors and more.

The annual awards included educators from nursery, primary, secondary, and special needs categories. This was also the first year that nominations were open for the top principal in Barbados.

Dr Ramona Archer-Bradshaw, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, brought opening remarks to congratulate the awardees.

 “We, at the Ministry of Education, use this occasion to reiterate our gratitude to our teachers, who have persevered and excelled during these challenging times,” she noted.

The Chief Education Officer added: “I implore you, and your colleagues across the teaching profession, to give your best efforts at all times to ensure that our children develop the knowledge, attitudes, skills and values that are necessary for improving their lives and contributing to rewarding livelihoods.”

Winners also received prizes, including a share of $20, 000 and Hilton gift certificates. Awardee videos were compiled to commemorate the occasion and highlight the unique attributes of each educator. Those videos are available on the RF YouTube channel: @rfbanktrust.

“While those of us outside of the profession may not fully conceptualise the sacrifice made by tonight’s winners and all the other extraordinary teachers in Barbados, we can all appreciate how valuable their contributions are to the growth and development of our nation,” commented Jillian Nunes, President and CEO of RF Merchant Bank & Trust (Barbados) Ltd.

“We applaud you for going above and beyond the call of duty, for stepping outside of your comfort zones, for facing unprecedented challenges head on and doing whatever it takes to ensure positive outcomes for Barbados’ youth. Know that you are all heroes in your own right.”

 The 2022 RF NDTA programme was supported by several local partners including CBC Radio and Mornin’ Barbados and sponsors CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, Hilton Resort, Housing Concepts, Barbados TODAY, Cooperators General Insurance, Consumers Guarantee Insurance, Kooyman, BICO, and Pan American Insurance. Other businesses that helped make the awards possible include A Rich Media Productions, Premiere Events, Blades Trophies and Intelligent Lighting.

2022 RF National Distinguished Teachers

Nursey

Caisha Greaves of Maria Holder Nursery

Rhonda Robinson of Debbie’s Little Angels

Special Needs

Joanne Davis-Walker of Eagle Hall Primary

Primary

Marsha Burke of St. George Primary School

Rinet Briggs of Blackman & Gollop Primary School

Tamika Newton of St. Paul Primary School

Secondary

Patrice Marshall of Parkinson School

Shannon Haynes of Harrison College

Marko Scantlebury of St. George Secondary

Principal

 Julia Beckles of the Combermere School

School with the most nominations

Will’s Primary School

For more information on the RF NDTA, visit: www.rfgroup.com/barbados/ndta.