Scotiabank, one of the region’s leading commercial banks, has signaled its commitment to the well‐being of the disabled community in Barbados. The Bank has recently signed on to be the title sponsor of the Inclusive Play project, a facility where children of all abilities will play, learn, explore, discover and imagine together in an environment where their common experiences make a more lasting impression than their different abilities. Scotiabank’s commitment includes a $75,000 cash donation which is being facilitated through Scotiabank (Barbados) Foundation Inc. The Inclusive Play project is being developed specifically to ccommodate
persons living with varying disabilities. The building has been designed to include a sensory room with light and sound stimulation, a soft‐padded room, a half‐sized basketball court, and a number of other activity areas. It will also include a playground which will facilitate activities by both disabled and able‐bodied children.

The project is the brainchild of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, an organisation which over the years has spearheaded a number of community projects which have benefitted Barbadian society. Commenting on Scotiabank’s contribution to the project, President of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, Katrina Sam noted that the $75,000 cash donation will catapult the project towards achieving the goal of providing Barbados’ disabled community with a truly Inclusive Play facility.

Scotiabank’s Angela Phillips (Manager, Finance) and Antony Philips (Senior Manager, Marketing), both of whom are Directors of Scotiabank (Barbados) Foundation Inc. have expressed their full support of the project. Kevin Teslyk, President of Scotiabank (Barbados) President: Katrina Sam-Prescod Secretary: Sonya Alleyne Email: rotarybarbadossouth@gmail.com Website: www.rotaryclubofbarbadossouth.org. Foundation Inc, said, "We saw it as imperative that we support the Inclusive Play project. First,it allows us to continue to contribute as we have over the years through our Scotiabank Bright Future Programme. At the same time, it enables us to deepen our relationship with the community." He added: "What impressed us particularly about this initiative was the degree to which it will encourage full integration between able‐bodied children and those with disabilities. We expect the project to go a long way towards stemming ignorance about and discrimination against persons with disabilities."

President Katrina Sam noted that the Rotary Club of Barbados South is hoping to enter an arrangement with the Government to lease a lot on the premises of the Wildey Gymnasium. Sam also noted that a number of well‐known Barbadian companies have indicated their support of the project, and have pledged to contribute cash, labour, materials and other necessary resources to ensure that the project is a success. The Inclusive Play project has also received support from a number of other corporate entities in Barbados. During the Holiday Season drive, the project partnered with Emerald City, Carlton & A1, SuperCentre and Courts (Barbados) Ltd. Pro‐Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of the West Indies (Cave Hill Campus), Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, who is an
Honourary Rotarian, has graciously accepted an invitation to be patron of the Inclusive Play project.

The Rotary Club of Barbados South thanks the public for their support and notes that other fund‐raising activities will soon be announced. The public can receive regular updates on the project by joining the Inclusive Play Facebook page at www.facebook.com/inclusiveplay.

 Caption:
(L‐R): Angela Phillips (Manager, Finance, Scotiabank); Antony Philips (Senior Manager, Marketing, Scotiabank); Professor Sir Hilary Beckles (Pro‐Vice Chancellor and Principal, University of the West Indies, Cave Hill), Katrina Sam (President, The Rotary Club of Barbados South), Rotarian Peter Thompson (Architect for the Project) and Rotarian Gordon Julian.