RF Merchant Bank & Trust (RF) recently inducted ten exceptional teachers into the RF National Distinguished Teachers’ Awards Hall of Fame. At an awards ceremony held at the Hilton, the winners were presented with their awards and recognised for their outstanding service by their peers, 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 will be available in the coming days on the RF YouTube channel: @rfbanktrust.
The award show will be aired in its entirety via RF’s Facebook and YouTube channels on Thursday, February 9, so family, friends and students can take part in celebrating their teachers.
“While those of us outside of the profession may not be able to 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 who wish to recognise excellence amongst teachers. They include CBC Radio and Mornin’ Barbados and sponsors CIBC First Caribbean 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.
For more information on the RF NDTA, please visit: www.rfgroup.com/barbados/ndta.
2022 RF National Distinguished Teachers
NURSERY
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