Freeport, Grand Bahama, May 24, 2024 – Colina Insurance Limited is ensuring that the future of The Bahamas is bright. The Company recently made donations to The Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program and Reach Out Youth Organization to assist with ongoing initiatives towards the development of the country’s future leaders.

“Colina is committed to doing what we can to empower young people in our community,” said Maxine V. Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina. “The Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program and Reach Out Youth Organization help to build our nation’s future leaders and we are proud to support their efforts.”

Reach Out Youth Organization offers educational and extracurricular opportunities to children in need. Their initiatives, including sports programs, community outreach, and back-to-school giveaways have been essential in creating a supportive environment for young people to thrive.

“Reach Out Youth Organization has been giving back since 2008,” said Denero Seide, Youth Director, Community Outreach. “The children of Grand Bahama appreciate what Colina is doing for the community again this year and on behalf of Reach Out, I want to say thank you.”

The Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program (BYLD) focuses on equipping young Bahamians with the skills and knowledge necessary for effective leadership with programs designed to foster personal and professional growth.

“Almost 13 years ago now, we began recruiting 11th and 12th grade students at the beginning of the school year for a 10-month long program of leadership training – because we believe leadership matters,” said Zhivargo Laing, Founder, Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program. “We believe it helps young people to grow and develop into mature and productive adults and paves the way for even greater success in life.”

“For the last 13 years, Colina has been a partner in this regard, not just a financial partner, but they have been a partner in the activities,” said Laing.

The BYLD programme also give students the opportunity to experience corporate exposure tours of Grand Bahama, New Providence and Atlanta, Georgia.

“Every year, Colina has been a part of our corporate exposure tour,” said Laing. “The CEO, the president of CFAL and other leaders of the Colina group have been personally involved in sharing with our young people and giving them advice and guidance on leadership and career.”

Students from BYLD program recently completed a corporate tour at Colina and learned about various career opportunities in financial services.

“As a matter of fact, one of the students in that program visited Colina Insurance and decided on his career as an actuary because of that visit – that’s the idea behind what we do,” said Laing. “We are grateful to Colina for its support and its leadership, not just the financial, but the moral support that they give to the program and many programs, demonstrating its corporate sensitivity and belief in the young people of this country.”

Colina’s Northern Branch Manager, Unit Manager and Office Administrator were in attendance and further expressed Colina’s commitment to the community.

“At Colina, we know that insurance is important, but that is not our only focus,” said Sandradee Henfield, Branch Manager, Northern Branch. “We’re concerned with our community at large and it’s an honour when we can come together and partner to help and develop these organizations.”

“It is wonderful being a part of a company that wants to be part of these organizations that do meaningful work in our community,” said Merranda Lowe, Unit Manager, Northern Branch.

Colina remains committed in its mission to contribute to the community by supporting initiatives that foster youth development and education. The Company is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders in The Bahamas.

The presentation took place at Colina’s Freeport branch located on East Mall & Poinciana, Freeport, Grand Bahama.

About The Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program (BYLD)

Launched on September 26, 2010 by former parliamentarian and cabinet minister The Hon. Zhivargo Laing and his team, the Marco City Youth Leadership Institute, now The Bahamas Youth Leadership Development Program, is a youth enrichment program for 11th and 12th grade students in The Bahamas. The program focuses on shaping the leaders of today and tomorrow. The participants develop skills and capabilities in areas like goalsetting, effective planning and organizing, time management, effective communication, effective decision-making and problem-solving, emotional intelligence, entrepreneurship, basic money management, teamwork, ethics, executing plans, and wellness and lifestyle training among others.

About Reach Out Grand Bahama

Reach Out Grand Bahama is a non-profit organization geared towards positively impacting the lives of the underprivileged youth of Grand Bahama. Having grown up with many of the same challenges faced by the young people we serve; Dudley was inspired to make a difference and give back to the community. In 2007, with Katie, his wife of 13 years, Reach Out Grand Bahama was born. At Reach Out young people of Grand Bahama are offered a variety of programs, events, and activities that encourage, engage, and keep them involved and working to reach their full potential. Reach Out has grown and now serves the entire community: Helping wherever the need arises: Disaster relief and Pandemic assistance.

About Colina Insurance Limited (Colina)

Colina is a diversified financial services company, offering comprehensive life and health insurance solutions. Colina is wholly-owned by Colina Holdings Bahamas Limited (CHBL). CHBL is a Bahamian Company, built on a firm foundation of trust, integrity and responsibility. Colina has evolved over the past century to become The Bahamas’ largest life and health insurer, with a solid reputation for providing insurance and related financial services products that help clients prepare for life’s unexpected events.