20th December 2018 -- Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence- and citizenship-by-investment, has affirmed its commitment to the well-being and socio-economic development of Antigua and Barbuda through two very significant donations in 2018.
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Irma, the Category Five storm that ravaged Barbuda just over a year ago, Henley & Partners donated USD 100,000 (XCD 270,000) to ongoing reconstruction efforts on the island. Specifically, the donation goes towards the Halo Foundation’s ‘Project Home’ initiative, which provides furnishings and fixtures to storm-damaged houses once they have been repaired - 10 homes have already been provided with furniture. The balance of the funds will go towards the furnishing of 25 new homes on Barbuda, in a joint project with the Prince’s Foundation. These homes are scheduled for construction in January 2019.
Hurricane Irma destroyed 95% of the island’s structures, including homes, schools, medical facilities and hotels, and a mandatory evacuation to the neighboring island of Antigua followed. For the first time in 300 years, there was no one living on Barbuda, and whilst housing on Barbuda is being restored, major re-construction plans are underway for rebuilding the island’s schools, infrastructure and hotel industry. In response to this devastating natural disaster, Henley & Partners offered its solidarity and support to those who lost their homes and their livelihoods.
Her Excellency Lady Williams, the President and Founder of the Halo Foundation, expressed her appreciation to Henley & Partners for its substantial contribution and ongoing support for Antigua and Barbuda: “This generous donation will directly support Barbudan families desperate to return home and rebuild their lives. We are so grateful for Henley & Partners’ ongoing commitment to our nation.”
Henley & Partners has been working in the region for a number of years, with the Antigua and Barbuda citizenship-by-investment program being launched at the annual Henley & Partners Global Residence and Citizenship Conference in November 2012. To date, projects made possible through Barbuda’s citizenship-by-investment program include the building of a 10 MW clean-energy project cluster; the conversion of over 40 Government secondary and primary schools to clean-energy; and the set-up of numerous government-owned buildings that run on clean-energy, thereby assisting with the country’s transition to renewable energy sources.
Alongside its contribution to the Halo Foundation, the firm also funded the Henley & Partners Hero Scholarship, which was created in 2015 in collaboration with St. Mary’s University in Canada. The scholarship is an important pilot program that the firm is developing with the intention of extending it to other Caribbean countries. “We want to offer the deserving youth of Caribbean countries the opportunity to enjoy and experience the benefits of an international education,” explains Paola De Leo, Head of Philanthropy at Henley & Partners. The recipient of this year’s scholarship, Jahrel Pelle, was selected for both his academic achievements and his service to the community.
On receiving the award, he commented, “I believe this will allow me to pave the way for youths in this community to reach their full potential and to never let anything hinder them from attaining their goals.” As well as being the recipient of this prestigious scholarship, Pelle is also the 2019 recipient of the Halo Hero Humanitarian Award.
Henley & Partners’ Managing Partner in Antigua, Gaye Hechme, says they are extremely proud of all 5 of the Henley & Partners Hero Scholarship recipients. “Every year we are honored to play a role in the professional development, and empowerment of deserving young Antiguans and Barbudans. We look forward to seeing them become drivers of their own future, as well as to their valuable contribution to our nation in the years to come.”
Commenting on the award, Lady Williams says: “We greatly appreciate Henley & Partners’ commitment to our nation and to supporting our youth. It is particularly relevant that their scholarship takes into account not only academic prowess, but also humanitarian acts and a desire to build towards the country’s future. We will feel the benefits of this award for many years.”
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