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. Holmesβ civic works, with a focus on promoting a healthier and regenerated community with the following objectives:
Β· Provision of assistance to seniors;
Β· Youth mentorship;
Β· Advancement of education;
Β· Rewarding of exceptional civic service; and
Β· Organisation of activities beneficial to the community. From its inception in August 2006, the Trust has delivered (and continues to deliver):
Β· βExpress Yourselfβ β a weekly reading programme, which aims to develop the language and communication skills of children aged 4 -11.
Β· βActive Seniorsβ β a monthly programme, aimed at promoting healthy ageing for retirees; and
Β· 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:
Β· 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
Β· 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 βshutdownβ 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.