To mark the 40th anniversary of The Bahamas’ Independence the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) is investing over $320,000 in local community initiatives.
BTC Senior Vice President of Brand and Communications Marlon Johnson explained that BTC as a company wishes to remain known for its dedication as leaders in civic development.
“BTC as a company has been around for more than 100 years,” he said.
“We are adamant that any company must not only be looking at the top line or the bottom line but must be looking at what it does to develop and be a part of, in a meaningful way, its community.”
The first way in which BTC wanted to give back to its customers came through a “free-nights” plan that commenced on June 24th and will run through July 26th.
It allows customers the luxury of making unlimited local calls and texts based on their plan allowances between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. the next morning.
However its donation begins with $100,000 to spread over five years for the construction of a Sick Children Telemedicine Lab at the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH).
“This is a wonderful opening and just the beginning,” Director, UWI’s School of Clinical Medicine and Research Dr. Robin Roberts said.
“This allows us to advance education, and opportunities for our nurses, doctors and this is truly a gift that will keep on giving and a tremendous advance or health care in The Bahamas.”
Co-Chair of Urban Renewal, Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt also thanked BTC for remaining true to the young people having received a $20,000 donation to the Urban Renewal Band.
“This donation will go very far today as it will give some 300 added young individuals joining the band that did not have instruments,” said Mrs. Pratt.
The first BTC scholarship will be made available at the tune of $50,000 to The College of The Bahamas for a period of five years.
The scholarship will reward 10 students, five from New Providence and five from the Family Islands.
COB Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Earla Carey-Baines praised BTC for recognizing the need for a sustainable future for Bahamians and The Bahamas.
“The fact that this opportunity is available to students throughout the commonwealth demonstrates BTC’s belief in the talents and abilities of all of our people no matter which island they reside in.”
BTC also announced being a sponsor for the first Bahamian ICON awards, another event working in conjunction with the Official 40th Independence Anniversary.
It is at this very event where BTC’s CEO Geoff Houston will be presented with the Humanitarian Award.
Officials say $8,000 will also be presented to The Coconut Grove Heroes Park scheduled to open in July.
This park will highlight those prominent Bahamians who were born and raised in Coconut Grove and have contributed in a meaningful way to the development of the Bahamas.
BTC also became a sponsor of the official 40th Independence Celebration, Legacy Ball and has provided $8,000 in funding.
Dame Margaret Pindling also thanked BTC.
“This year is the first year the foundation will be offering scholarships and I’m very pleased to know that you all are assisting the Family Islands,” she said
“Thank you for your very kind generosity to all.”
BTC will be hosting a number of celebrations, including several fun staff “Grill & Chills” events on New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.
The celebrations conclude on July 9th with a companywide T-shirt day in celebration of Independence.
