Press Release
The R.M. Bailey Senior High School community is once again preparing to bring its energy, creativity, and school pride to the Junior Junkanoo parade. This year’s journey to Bay Street, however, almost did not happen.
Facing mounting costs and limited resources, the school’s teachers and students were working against the clock to secure transportation and materials needed to participate. That effort received a critical boost when CIBC Caribbean donated $7,500 to help ensure the school will be able to take its rightful place in the upcoming parade.
According to Charles Cooper, a music teacher at R.M. Bailey High School, the donation could not have come at a better time.
Mr. Cooper said, “This donation was heaven sent. We did not have any funding from the government or local businesses. Morale was really low because the students were not seeing the big costumes and banners like last year. This $7,500 will go a very long way in just this next week.”
Cooper explained that transportation alone costs more than $1,000, with the school needing to rent six to seven buses and several flatbed trucks to move students and their pieces to Bay Street.
“CIBC Caribbean is going to see our thank you to them come out in the performance,” he added. “The kids are ready, and they are going to show it next Thursday.”
Dr. Tiffany Ferguson, a cosmetology teacher at the school, echoed that the contribution has lifted a significant burden from both staff and students who had been working tirelessly to raise funds.
“This took a huge burden off of us,” Dr. Ferguson said. “We had given the students sponsor sheets to try to raise money. Now that this support has come in, it has really relieved the pressure. The girls are especially excited to be on Bay Street, and they are ready to perform. We are extremely grateful for the support that came through for us at such short notice.”
CIBC Caribbean’s Acting Head of Country, Terrance Gibson, said, “Our young people deserve every opportunity to stand confidently in the spotlight and show what they are truly capable of.”
“Junior Junkanoo is more than a competition. It is an important expression of our culture, creativity, and national pride. We are pleased to support R.M. Bailey High School and to play a part in helping them bring their hard work, dedication, and vision to life on Bay Street.”
