The Ermine Holmes Community Trust was founded in August 2006, after the death of Ms. Ermine Holmes in April 2006. Holmes was a community leader, who warmed the hearts of many, with her acts of kindness, inspiring words and encouraging manner. She was a well-respected educator, her last post being that of Deputy Principal of the Grantley Adams Memorial School. She was also a Eucharistic Minister of
the St. Jude Anglican Church in St. George and the recipient of many national awards, including the Barbados Centennial Honour. The Trust which bears her name is a non-profit organisation (Registered Charity #706) based primarily in St. George, which endeavours to continue Ms. Holmes’ civic works, with a focus on promoting a healthier and regenerated community with the following objectives:
· Provision of assistance to seniors;
· Youth mentorship;
· Advancement of education;
· Rewarding of exceptional civic service; and
· Organisation of activities beneficial to the community. From its inception in August 2006, the Trust has delivered (and continues to deliver):
· ‘Express Yourself’ – a weekly reading programme, which aims to develop the language and communication skills of children aged 4 -11.
· ‘Active Seniors’ – a monthly programme, aimed at promoting healthy ageing for retirees; and
· Assistance to the St. Jude Primary School and Grantley Adams Memorial School to meet any pressing needs as they arise. Additionally, the Trust provides awards to students through, inter alia:
· Annual Scholarship programme in partnership with University of the West Indies (Cave Hill) to persons from the St. George catchment area, with a demonstrable financial need; and
· Annual Grants to school leavers (1 at secondary level at Grantley Adams Memorial School; 1 at primary level at St. Jude Primary School) who have performed credibly and who have shown themselves to be community-minded;
During the recent ‘shutdown’ period of the pandemic we were able to provide laptops and internet access for students who did not have their own devices; along with hamper donations to individuals and families in the St.
