Minister of State for Education, and Technical and Vocational Training the Hon. Zane Lightbourne, recognized Citi Financial for its donation to children of Abaco and Grand Bahama who have been affected by Hurricane Dorian, Tuesday, at Baha Mar Convention Center.

“You demonstrate that your heart is in the right place as you have travelled many miles, and for some hundreds of miles to show love for others perhaps unknown to you. Your donation of hundreds of backpacks filled with needed school supplies as well as hundreds of hurricane kits is timely as Grand Bahamians and Abaconians continue to recover. I understand that each backpack also contains an inspirational note written by Citi Financial associates to encourage our children. That is a gift that is much appreciated,” he said.

State Minister Lightbourne informed the stakeholders that The Bahamas has had more than its share of natural disasters in the past ten years. “For us the list of hurricanes to affect the Bahamas is growing. These natural disasters are presenting challenges that affect our national plans to grow our economy annually. In fact these hurricanes evoke pain for many Bahamians and residents just to hear their names . . . Irene, Joaquin, Irma and of course….

He highlighted other issues facing the Bahamas including Covid-19 pandemic, the global shutdown, the low-lying nature of the country’s archipelago and the threat of the impact of global warming.

“For us, climate change is real. The likelihood of our islands being swallowed up by rising sea levels is indeed frightening and real,” he said.

On behalf of the Ministry and the Department of Education, State Minister Lightbourne expressed thanks to the associates for the gift of school desks to Central Abaco Primary School, the Patrick J. Bethel High school and the Special Needs school “’Every Child Counts.”

He also acknowledged the corporation for a mural that is to be painted by Citi Financial associates and placed on the wall of a school.

“Your kind gesture will go a long way in leaving the Citi Financial imprint in The Bahamas and in the hearts of the recipients, their families and communities.”