Company: Republic Bank Ltd., Port of Spain, T&T
Company Description: Republic Bank is one of the largest, longest operating and most successful indigenous banks in the English-speaking Caribbean, serving retail-banking customers, corporate clients and governments throughout the Caribbean. It is the parent company of the Republic Bank Group, which includes 15 subsidiaries collectively in four Caribbean countries.
Nomination Category: Company/Organization Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year in South America

Nomination Title: Republic Bank - Power to Make a Difference Programme

Tell the story about what this nominated company achieved (up to 500 words). Focus on specific accomplishments, and relate these accomplishments to past performance or industry norms. Be sure to mention obstacles overcome, innovations or discoveries made, and outcomes:

In November 2003, Republic Bank launched its groundbreaking social investment
initiative, the Power to Make a Difference programme. Through this programme,
Republic Bank pledged TT$40 million (US$7 million) over a five-year period in
social development activities in Trinidad and Tobago. The Bank eventually
exceeded this amount by TT$12 million. In looking back at the success of the
first five years, Republic Bank has preserved the programme, launching a new
phase in 2009; committing TT$IOO million (US$17.5 million) over 5 years. Once
again, together with the non-governmental and community-based sectors, Republic
redoubled its commitment to poverty alleviation, the marginalized, the
differently-able and holistic youth development.

Baal Vikaas Vihaar and Chowtaal Sammelan
As part of Republic Bank's commitment to youth development through culture, the
Bank sponsored the 2009 Baal Vikaas Vihaar festival. During this festival,
children showcase their talents in the fields of music, singing and dancing.
Hosted for over 24 years by the major Hindu organisation in Trinidad and Tobago,
the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, the children's festival is aimed at primary
schools under the Maha Sabha. Through the festival, the Maha Sabha and Republic
Bank, aim to create an environment for respect, tolerance, harmony for students
of all cultural and religious beliefs.

Corpus Christi Prayer Cottage
The Corpus Christi Carmelites L'Hospice Spaccapietra is a home for aged women.
It was founded in 1857 by the Most Reverend Archbishop Vincent Spaccapietra and
the oldest institution of its kind in Trinidad and Tobago. As part of its
commitment to the care of the elderly, the Bank assisted with repairs to the
Prayer Cottage at L'Hospice. The Prayer Cottage is open to the public for prayer
and counseling.

Junior Parade of the Bands
With a focus on preserving and championing one of the most vibrant and colorful
of our cultural expressions for future generations to enjoy, Carnival 2009 saw
Republic Bank assuming the sponsorship of the long-standing Junior Parade of the
Bands. Under the banner of youth empowerment through cultural preservation,
Republic Bank proudly gave thousands of children the avenue to wave festive
banners of their own on the big day.

wow - World of Work
Since 2002, Republic Bank has proudly supported the University of the West
Indies and the World of Work programme - a comprehensive professional
development programme, tailored to equip final year university students with the
necessary skills to complement their academic growth with expert career advice.

Dyslexia Awareness
In an effort to increase dyslexia awareness in Trinidad and Tobago, Republic
Bank hosted a Visualizing and Verbalizing Workshop for teachers, so that they
may better be able to understand and work with dyslexic children. The Bank's
sponsorship came as part of its commitment to disability awareness.

Autism Awareness
Also in keeping with its commitment to disability awareness, Republic Bank
entered into a commitment with The Life Centre, a school for children with
medium to average developmental disabilities, primarily Autism Spectrum Disorder
and partnered with the Autistic Society of Trinidad and Tobago, to provide care
and teaching to autistic children whose parents cannot afford specialized
training and care.

Republic sees the Programme as its legacy, working together with the
like-minded, the brave, the visionary and the willing, to make a positive
difference in the world.

List hyperlinks to any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that support the claims made in the section above. IMPORTANT: Begin each link with http://, and enclose each link in square brackets; for example, [http://www.youraddress.com]:

(1) http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/articlenews?id=161423159     
(2) http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/01/09/republic-bank-shell-out-100m  
(3) http://newsday.co.tt/business/0,93084.html
(4) http://www.republictt.com/1asp/company.asp?f=power_to_make#pmadphase2]  
(5) http://sta.uwi.edu/wow/

Provide a brief (up to 100 words) biography about the leader of this nominated company:

Republic Bank is one of the largest, longest operating and most successful
indigenous banks in the English-speaking Caribbean, serving retail-banking
customers, corporate clients and governments throughout the Caribbean. It is the
parent company of the Republic Bank Group, which includes 15 subsidiaries
collectively in four Caribbean countries. Today, the Group employs over 4,500
people in the Caribbean countries of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Guyana and
Barbados. Trinidad and Tobago continues to be the Bank's largest market and its
Caribbean subsidiaries also enjoy dominant market shares in their respective
countries.