Press Release
Scotiabank has reinforced its commitment to advancing paediatric health care across the Caribbean with a further CAD$200,000 donation to the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI). This vital contribution will help sustain the programme’s life-saving efforts, ensuring continued access to specialized care for children with cancer and blood disorders.
SCI was established to address the critical gaps in care for children with cancer and blood disorders across six countries in the Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. In partnership with the SickKids Centre for Global Child Health, the University of the West Indies (UWI), regional Ministries of Health, and key hospitals and institutions from the six participating Caribbean countries, SCI is transforming paediatric care through training, education, technology, and collaboration.
Between 2020 and 2022, Scotiabank contributed CAD$2 million to SCI, enabling the creation of seven telemedicine facilities across the region. These facilities became vital hubs for connecting Caribbean health professionals with global expertise, improving diagnosis and treatment outcomes for young patients.
Impact Highlights:
- 41 nurses trained in paediatric haematology/oncology at UWI, Trinidad and Tobago
- 6 Caribbean fellows trained at SickKids in Toronto
- 7 local databases established to track childhood cancer incidence and outcomes
- 902 case consultations conducted via telemedicine (as of October 7, 2025)
- 835 specialist diagnostic tests completed for children diagnosed with leukemia (as of October 7, 2025)
Dr. Corrine Sin Quee-Brown, Co-Caribbean Lead, SickKids-Caribbean Initiative (SCI) shared “Since 2013, this initiative has been a blessing for the Caribbean paediatric haematology oncology community. Through strong collaboration among the regional SCI partners and Canadian colleagues, we’ve strengthened training, education and research in ways that would have been difficult to achieve alone. In The Bahamas, this partnership has led to life-changing outcomes, from children receiving successful brain tumour surgeries abroad to six oncology nurses trained and a paediatric haematologist-oncologist soon completing her fellowship, representing a full return on investment in local expertise.”
Roger Archer, Country Head, Scotiabank commented, “Scotiabank remains deeply committed to supporting the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative and its vital work in strengthening paediatric care across the region. Every child deserves the chance to receive timely, high quality treatment, and this partnership is helping to make that a reality. By investing in local expertise, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and expanding access to specialized care, we are proud to help build a more resilient health system that gives young patients and their families renewed hope for the future.”
SCI continues to work with its Caribbean partners to elevate the diagnosis and care of children with cancer and blood disorders. Together we are working to ensure that children across the Caribbean receive timely, accurate diagnoses and compassionate care.
