2025 Mr Executive Challenge gets expanded participation, sponsorship

The 2025 Mr Executive Interschool Business and Gentleman’s Challenge has officially launched with new features designed to expand its reach and positively impact young men across Barbados.

This year’s challenge, launched at Solidarity House on Friday, features more schools, increased sponsorship, and enhanced business activities.

The challenge is a development competition designed to cultivate positive business, leadership and social skills, equip contestants for the world of work and enable them to make a positive contribution to society.

Founder and coordinator Winston Cumberbatch said the growing number of schools participating and the increased interest from corporate sponsors was significant.

“We are onto something big,” he said.

A total of 32 sponsors are backing the initiative, including platinum sponsors CIBC Caribbean and Affinity Plus Credit Union.

Since its inception in 2017, the challenge has expanded each year. “To date, we have welcomed schools like Alexandra and Deighton Griffith Secondary,” Cumberbatch noted, reflecting on the initiative’s growth.

Marketing Manager of Affinity Plus Credit Union, Valerie Hope announced a new savings challenge aimed at teaching effective money management.

She explained: “This year, we’re providing each of our challengers with a complimentary account and a minimum savings target. We will also offer three new prizes, including the biggest saver and the most consistent saver. Additionally, we are introducing a savings video challenge, where participants can win a $500 cash prize to boost their savings. Anyone who exceeds the minimum savings target will receive a cash bonus in their account.”

Programme Director of the Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation, Celeste Foster described the challenge as an opportunity for participants to explore various aspects of business.

The programme is executed in four phases: workshops, individual assessments, semi-finals, and finals.

National Coordinator of the National Financial Literacy Programme, David Simpson stressed the importance of the $20 challenge, which aims to reshape students’ relationships with money.

“We want to instil not only business skills but also personal growth,” he said.

CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Director, Corporate Banking for Barbados and the OECS, Jeffrey Newton highlighted the transformative impact of mentorship for both mentors and mentees.

He told the participants: “In the coming weeks and months, you will gain new experiences, knowledge, and mentorship that will shape you into confident, well-rounded young men, regardless of whether you make it to the finals. I encourage you to take full advantage of the developmental opportunities available to you.”

Newton also noted the bank’s commitment to supporting young men through mentorship programmes.

“We work with institutions and organisations that inspire and support our youth. Several of our team members are actively involved in mentorship, providing guidance to young men within our bank and their communities, including social and service clubs, churches, and sporting organisations,” he said.

Marketing and Branding Coach Troy Holder acknowledged that the journey may be challenging, but maintaining commitment and passion is crucial.

“I encourage you not to let ‘unfinished’ be your label. Whatever you have started, assume it will lead to something positive. Finish strong, because wins are what you strive for,” he told the young men.

(LG)