By Shenia Roberts
Journal Staff Writer

The Leno group of companies a Bahamian Financial Services conglomerate recently launched their 2024
Creative Arts Competition at the Ministry of Education’s head office on University Drive.
The competition which began a few years ago was initially geared toward sixth graders however, due to
the positive response and overwhelming participation, officials at leno opted to expand the eligibility.
The competition is open to all students from sixth to ninth grades enrolled in both public and private
schools.
Each participant will be given the opportunity to showcase their creativity through essay writing, poetry,
video creation and art. Participants in the sixth grade are required to present on “financial
accountability, the importance of protecting customer funds and preventing financial crimes” while
those participating from grades seven to nine must deliver on the topic “entrepreneurship, fiduciary
responsibility, balancing profitability and regulatory compliance, and preventing financial fraud.”
The launch was spearheaded by ministry officials in conjunction with Leno executives, in attendance was
Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell, Cleora Farquharson VP of Business development
&client relations at Leno as well as Sherell Conliffe Manager, Business Development & Client Relation
also at Leno.
During her opening remarks Director McCartney Russell shared her gratitude for this newfound
relationship and partnership. She expressed” I thank our educators, coaches and parents who will
encourage our students to participate and of course our partners and sponsor Leno who recognized the
value of investing in the financial education of future generations.”
Additionally she emphasized that “we want students to leave with more than just a prize, they should
leave with a deeper understanding of how financial decisions impact their lives, families and
communities.” This initiative she says is crucial in educating the leaders of tomorrow on financial
literacy. “
Sherell Conliffe, Manager of Business Development & Client Relations also commented on the impact
the initiative is expected to have. She highlighted the rules of the competition noting that the deadline
for submission is December 13 th and that participants will be judged on originality, creativity, clarity and
relevance. Additionally, she spoke to the prizes that winners will receive in each category stating that all
top three winners will receive monetary gifts.
The first place winners will receive $1,000 with $250 being deducted to begin a Leno College Savings
Plan for their future education. The same will be done for the second and third place winners who will
receive $750 and $500 in prize money. In addition to this the accounts will be turned over to their
parents or guardians who can receive assistance in creating an educational savings plan to match their
budget. One thousand dollars will also be given to each school that produces a winner.
This additional incentive is set to get students and parents in the habit of saving for their future and
preparing ahead of time. According to Director McCartney Russell the aim is to “not just inspire
participation but passion.” Ministry of education official and executives from Leno are encouraging all
students from grades six to nine to take advantage of this opportunity to share their creativity and dive
deeper into financial literacy.