Joyce Samuel Primary School is one of the recipients of essential food items from Joyce Samuel Primary School. Photo: Republic Bank

Mr Julian Willock, centre, and his Third District Committee, makes a $1000 donation to St George's Secondary School as part of his 'No Student in District 3 Should Go to School Hungry' initiative. Photo: Team of Reporters

Republic Bank (BVI) Ltd has made a donation of essential food items to four school pantries across the Territory, joining the recent trend of making meals available to school children in need. Photo: Republic Bank

The bank in a press release on October 1, 2026, said recognising that proper nutrition is fundamental to learning and academic success, it has provided support to the pantries of Willard Wheatley Primary School, Francis Lettsome Primary School, Alexandrina Maduro Primary School (second consecutive year), and Joyce Samuel Primary School.

'Fueling Young Minds for a Productive Day'

The initiative, themed "Fueling Young Minds for a Productive Day," is designed to help ensure students have access to nutritious food that enables them to remain focused in the classroom, actively participate in school activities, engage positively with their peers, and make the most of every learning opportunity. 

“At Republic Bank, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and reach their full potential,” said Marion D. Blyden, Managing Director of Republic Bank (BVI) Ltd.

“Access to proper nutrition plays a critical role in a student's ability to succeed academically and socially. Through these pantry donations, we hope to help create an environment where students can thrive and concentrate on what matters most: their education.”

Republic Bank said this year's contribution builds on the success of the programme launched during the previous academic year, when donations were made to the Enis Adams Primary School and the Alexandrina Maduro Primary School.

The bank also said it is pleased to continue this meaningful initiative and expand its reach to benefit additional schools throughout the Territory.

Trending initiative started by Willock

Recently, several schools have received support, in the form of lunch/meals programmes, from prospective candidates for the upcoming general elections.

It was in late September that the People's Leadership Movement (PLM) launched a free lunch programme to support eligible children at Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley primary schools.

Kevon S. Lettsome's initiative, backed by party leader Mark H. Vanterpool, came on the heels of that of former Speaker Julian Willock.

Willock and his Third District Committee launched the first of its kind ‘feed the children school initiative’, where he and his committee donated $3000.00 total ($1000.00 each school) to three schools, Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, The BVI Seventh-day Adventist School and The St George’s Secondary School, for any children coming to school in this semester, September to December 2026, without a meal.

There are no restrictions on this programme, as once the child is in need of something to eat, they can get funds for a meal, breakfast or lunch. Mr Willock announced his plans to do the same for the new semester next year, January to June 2027.