Nassau, The Bahamas, March 8, 2024 – Colina Insurance Limited celebrated International Women’s Day by donating ten thousand dollars to The Bahamas Crisis Centre and Providing Access to Continued Education (PACE).

The donations are in alignment with Colina’s commitment to community building through partnerships with organizations that empower and support others.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting women’s rights, empowerment, education and also creating a more inclusive and supportive society for all,” said Maxine Seymour, Director, Corporate Communications, Colina.

The theme for Women’s International Day this year is ‘Inspire Inclusion’.

“The Crisis Center is a non-profit, ideologically independent organization primarily pledged to respond to the needs of all victims of sexual, physical, and psychological violence,” said Lelia Greene, Director, Bahamas Crisis Centre. “We advocate for legislative and societal protection of survivors and raise public consciousness through education and information. We also do counselling; that is the mainstay of the Crisis Centre.”

In addition to providing support for women, The Bahamas Crisis Centre also heads an initiative for young students in primary school called Champions for Peace.

“We are in about 17 primary schools, grades four and five, and we are trying to sensitize them how to deal with confrontation, how to deal with when somebody disrespects you, when somebody is not nice to you, through three pillars – respect, courage, and kindness.”

Patrice Miller, Principal of PACE, highlighted key support services her organization offers young mothers and their infants.

“We provide access, not just to continued education, but we help our children in every aspect because the bulk of our children come from very low socioeconomic backgrounds so we help them with furthering their education,” said Miller. “It is mandatory for the students who come to us under the age of 16 to go back to the mainstream educational system.”

“We also have head girls and other students who come to us who we forward on to The University of The Bahamas or Bahamas Technical & Vocational Institute for tertiary education,” said Miller. “In addition to academics, we also assist girls, 16 and above with job readiness – we have someone who will find the job and find the placement.”

“PACE is all around for the children and it is because of your generosity and partnership, we are able to provide access to a lot of things; it is not just education,” said Miller. “Thank you to Colina for your generosity, for your partnership. You all consider us, and we love you all.”

The occasion also served as a platform for crucial conversations, as Kendra M. Whyms, Assistant Superintendent of Police and Director of the Domestic Violence Unit, addressed Colina staff on the topic “Don’t Suffer in Silence,” shedding light on the services her Unit provides, the importance of speaking out against domestic violence and advocating for those in need.

“We are a one-stop shop that does not only have police officers, [the unit] consists of social services, a social worker, the Crisis Centre, the judicial system, a psychiatrist, and a nurse,” said Whyms. “The reason for the nurse is due to the fact that a lot of victims are ashamed, they do not want to go to the hospital – this is why the unit was built the way it is built.”

“We are doing a lot of sensitization in the community from the schools, primary straight up to college, as well as civic organization, hence that is why I am here today, said Whyms. “Empowerment is key because you find that a lot of these women are dependent on the perpetrators.”

“We look at that whole scheme of things to assist the whole family.” said Whyms.

“We are delighted that these ladies took the time to be here with us today, said Seymour. “Each of these organizations provides critical support for women in our community.”

The International Women’s Day presentation took place at Colina’s J. Whitney Building on 21 Collins Avenue, with women from across the Company in attendance.

International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women’s achievements or rally for women’s equality. Marked annually on March 8th, IWD is one of the most important days of the year to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness about women’s equality, lobby for accelerated gender parity and to fundraise for female-focused charities. The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 is #InspireInclusion.

About The Bahamas Crisis Centre exists to end domestic violence through advocacy, education, and prevention. The Crisis Centre is a non-profit, ideologically independent organization primarily pledged to respond to the needs of all victims of sexual, physical and psychological abuse. The Centre also advocates for legislative and societal protection of survivors and raises public consciousness through education and information.

About Providing Access to Continued Education (PACE) is governed by the PACE Foundation, which is a non-profit entity established in 2004. The PACE Foundation engages both private and public sectors towards initiatives concerning the overall operation of the school and its opportunities for students. PACE School was founded in 1969 by Mrs. Andrea Archer to assist new and existing teen moms whom had difficulties completing school. Since its opening, the school has been effective in providing support services to young mothers pre and post pregnancy.

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.