We have blogged in the past about our very own Allyson Trunzer. She has always had a passion for dance, a love of Barbuda and been an advocate for how much the arts can change communities and our youth, making a positive impact. After receiving a scholarship to a US college from the Coco Point Fund she stays connected to the island doing many great works, especially with empowering young girls.
Allyson was featured last month in the Antigua Observer in an article entitled “For the Love of the Arts.” She discusses STEM programs, the importance of mentorship and the third season of BECOMING Barbuda. The self-development program designed for Barbudan youth aged 11-17.Find the complete article here.
HENRY SCHEIN CARES FOUNDATION is a philanthropic vehicle for driving change toward building a healthier world. They support innovation, strengthening health care system resilience, expanding access to care for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of health care professionals.
In December 2021 Coco Point Fund applied for a grant from Henry Schein Cares for numerous supplies for the dental clinic. The request included large box quantities of toothbrushes, gauze, floss, toothpaste, and many sterile sponges and supplies needed by the dentist for exams. We are pleased to say that the grant was awarded in the Spring and the supplies reached the dental clinic! Thank you again to the Henry Schein Foundation for their contribution.
Our local board would like to update you on some happenings on Barbuda and some upcoming projects that we are hoping to fund. We are pleased to report that over 400 locals are now employed – either directly or indirectly on the island. There are new hotels and housing being built to house workers, tourists and doctors, dentists, etc.
Organizations like Barbuda Ocean Club continue to spend substantial amounts on community development and improvements to the public school system seem to be in the works. The solar powered energy system is now fully functional as well.
Last year we recognized that in the Healthcare sector of the island there was a glaring need for an Ambulance as well as Dental Care and equipment. We are thrilled to have made progress in both these regards. Read more below.
There is a lot of good news going on but as we all know, still much to do. Please read about our successes and projects below and consider contributions to the projects we are considering.
Have a great and safe summer, Coco Point Fund
Healthcare Successes
DENTAL SUPPLY DONATION
HENRY SCHEIN CARES FOUNDATION is a philanthropic vehicle for driving change toward building a healthier world. They support innovation, strengthening health care system resilience, expanding access to care for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of health care professionals.
In December 2021 Coco Point Fund applied for a grant from Henry Schein Cares for numerous supplies for the dental clinic. The request included large box quantities of toothbrushes, gauze, floss, toothpaste, and many sterile sponges and supplies needed by the dentist for exams. We are pleased to say that the grant was awarded in the Spring and the supplies reached the dental clinic! Thank you again to the Henry Schein Foundation for their contribution.
Ms. Annie Marie Gore + Ms. Camelda Frank
AMBULANCE DONATION
AMR is part of the Global Medical Response family of companies, committed to a mission of providing care to the world at a moment’s notice.
Thanks to Dr. Hezedean Smith who facilitated the donation by introducing AMR to the Coco Point. Dr. Smith along with a wonderful team in the operations group and significant assistance from the Barbuda Ocean Club and AMR Orlando personal were able to secure an ambulance for donation to Barbuda.
It left Orlando, FL this month and is currently making its way through customs to Barbuda. Thank you again to AMR and Barbuda Ocean Club. We have included photos of the old ambulance that is no in service due to its poor condition. We are thrilled to assist with this new addition to the medical community of Barbuda!
Photos of the previous ambulance that was not in service due to its poor condition.
APPROVED PROJECTS
COMMUNITY AREA FENCING– The community area is a place where events, horse racing, weddings, community bbqs, etc. occur. Barbuda Ocean Club has fixed up there area and asked Coco Point for a donation for materials to fence the area in. There are many animals such as horses, donkeys and goats that have wandered in and disrupted the area. The fence was desperately needed to preserve the space. It has been installed and the community was able to celebrate Caribana here this month. We were pleased to contribute to this project, as well as Barbuda Ocean Club and Paradise Found.
BECOMING 2022
Last year the Fund was proud to contribute to BECOMING 2021, which was a HUGE SUCCESS! This concept was created by Directors Cleo Isaac, Catie Kohler and Allyson Trunzer to empower the young girls of Barbuda. Campers attended over a 3-week period learning about healthy eating and meditation, participating in activities such as painting, dancing and carpentry lessons, and discussed interpersonal skills while being mentored.
This year they are expanding the program to more young women at a separate location and starting their first young mens’ program. Last year we contributed $15K and this year we are being asked for $30K. Along with Paradise Found we agree to this contribution. We wish the ladies and young men best of luck for an educational and fun camp!
Thank you in advance for considering ongoing donations!
As we near the end of 2021, we want to thank you again for your commitment to Barbuda and your generous contributions to the Coco Point Fund throughout the past year.
As we pull out the holiday decorations, wishing health and bright futures to our friends and families, we are reminded of how precious those things are in our lives and how much more there still is to do for those on the island we love. The CPF is staying true to its mission and continues to assist the people of Barbuda in their recovery from hurricane Irma by addressing the many infrastructure, healthcare and education needs.
There were many successes this year in those arenas. Because of your generous contributions thus far and the partnerships we have formed with the Jumby Bay Fund, Mill Reef Fund, and Barbuda Ocean Club, we were able to stretch donations to accomplish the projects below.
Please enjoy our Year in Review and hearing about what more we have planned.
Summary of 2021 Efforts
INFRASTRUCTURE
CLEAN WATER is flowing in Barbuda! The new 100,000 gallon water tank is operational and providing clean water 24/7 to all residents. Please celebrate in this win with us that took almost 3 years to accomplish. Despite the frustration at times working with the bureaucracy we did not give up!
BUS STOP SHELTERS – Shelters are now functioning on the island. While one remains to be built, four bus stop shelters provide shelter for those waiting to commute.
DOCK SHELTER – This is a project to build a shelter at the ferry dock for 50 people so they will be protected from the elements as well as a storage locker for shipped goods. We are awaiting final approval from the Antique and Barbuda Port Authority to erect a long needed shelter at the dock in Barbuda.
HEALTHCARE
The Wellness Center is one of the success stories of the year. It is up and running with people from the island using the facility often. The Fund provided the material and the labor to accomplish this rehab the building. The was a joint project with the Mill Reef Fund and Barbuda Ocean Club and we are very proud of its success.
While the center is a success, there are various needs that are still glaring that our Fund hopes to address in 2021. The people of Barbuda are in need of an Ambulance as well as Dental Care and equipment. If you would like to contribute or know of any connections to an entity with an old ambulance they might contribute or in Dentistry that might be able to help, please contact us.
EDUCATION
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Our scholarship fund continues to support incredible candidates. Each year the Coco Point Fund continues to ask for scholarship donations to allow more candidates to pursue their education. As it operates in it’s 22nd year it continues to be a critical resource. We have assisted 25 students in the last 5 years.
This year we spotlighted EZEKIEL FRANCIOS of the University of West Indies, Five Islands Campus who has put together many Outreach Campaigns on his campus, as well as STARR GEORGE at Waldorf University, studying Journalism. You can read more about their success here on our blog.
RICCARDO NEDD received throughout my entire academic journey and recently conferred a Master’s of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and Development, from the University of Salford. He mentioned in a letter to the Fund that his recent degree opened the door for him to gain employment on Barbudan soil as the operations manager at the now Barbuda Ocean Club (formerly Coco Point). Read Riccardo’s Letter Here.
Finally one of our largest success stories continues to be Allyson Trunzer. She has successfully trained as a dancer in New York, Toronto and Antiqua/ Barbuda and is currently enrolled in Shenandoah University working on a Bachelor of Arts in Dance program, as well as looking to add the Bachelor of Science in Public Health program to her studies. Her passion is evident for the people of Barbuda – she is proud to be part of the special community and wants very much to help it expand.
This year, Allyson, in conjunction Directors Cleo Isaac, Catie Kohler executed a concept called BECOMING 2021, to empower the young girls of Barbuda. Girls attended camp over a three week period and underwent intrapersonal and interpersonal development processes. They learned about healthy eating, meditation, participated in art projects, dancing and carpentry lessons, received mentoring and empowerment skills, gave back to the community with a beach cleanup, and got some pampering with hair and makeup! The Fund was thrilled to contribute to this event and to see its success. Please view the photos of that amazing event.
Allyson has a vision for a Cultural Center on the Island for events such as this and more. It is something the Board talks of often and may be a focus for 2022.
Special Education
We strongly believe that the GREATEST long term gift we can give this island is a vastly improved educational system. We are very focused on developing a special education program. There are over 20 children under the age of 18 that are in desperate need of these services. A qualified person is currently running the program on a volunteer basis.
We recently received a meaningful gift from a donor to create a lasting program. At the present time special education is our biggest focus to please consider a donation for this crucial need. Stay tuned for our next newsletter with more on this story.
HELP US IN 2022
Please consider a donation to the Coco Point Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization committed to the Island and the people of Barbuda.
If you know of any other individuals or charitable foundations that might be interested in helping our mission, please let us know!
MAILING CHECKS If you would like to mail a check to The CPF, please send checks to: Coco Point Fund c/o Joan Minshall 12 Oxford Street Chevy Chase, MD 20815
WIRE FUNDS If you would like to wire funds to The CPF, please contact [email protected] for the wire instructions.
TRANSFERRING APPRECIATED STOCK If you would like to transfer highly appreciated stock to The CPF, please contact [email protected] for the wire instructions.
DONATE WITH PAYPAL Donate with Paypal by using thislink.
REMINDER: We NEVER co-mingle any of our funds with the Antiguan Government or the Barbuda Council. We are diligent shepherds of your very generous contributions. Please contact any of our Board members should you have any questions or comments.
Thank you in advance for considering a donation this year end. We wish you all the happiest and healthiest Holiday Season! Please visit our new and improved website at www.cocopointfund.org. Sincerely,
Education has always been a key mission of the Coco Point Fund. Helping candidates to pursue their education, fulfill their passions and someday be able to return to the island and help their community is one of the most important uses of donations. Riccardo Nedd is an example of this, who not only attended University but went on for his Master’s degree. He has returned to the Island and is now the Operations Manager at the Barbuda Ocean Club. We received this letter from him that we would like to share, and wish him continued success as his professional journey begins!
“It fills my heart with much warmth knowing throughout the years Coco Point has been instrumental in my life.”
Dear Mr. Pierce and Mr. Reed,
I want to express my humblest appreciation to the Coco Point Trust Fund for every assistance received throughout my entire academic journey. Very recently I was conferred a Master’s of Science Degree in Human Resource Management and Development, from the University of Salford.
It fills my heart with much warmth knowing throughout the years Coco Point has been instrumental in my life: from my early days as a child when a gentleman (who to this day I wish I could get the opportunity to meet again) from Coco Point gave me my first experience at catching a fish on a rod; to the many assistance from my college days, all the way through to the completion of my masters degree.
Permit me to also say that my recent degree has opened the door for me to gain employment on Barbudan soil as the operations manager at the now Barbuda Ocean Club (formerly Coco Point).
As I say thank you once more, I pray the fund will continue to assist the dreams of many young Barbudans like myself.
The Fund was thrilled to contribute to BECOMING 2021, a concept put together by Directors Cleo Isaac, Catie Kohler, Allyson Trunzer to empower the young girls of Barbuda. Girls attended camp over a three week period and underwent intrapersonal and interpersonal development processes.
The campers learned about healthy eating, meditation, participated in art projects, dancing and carpentry lessons, received mentoring and empowerment skills, gave back to the community with a beach cleanup, and got some pampering with hair and makeup! The finale of the camp was a Summer Recital performed by the campers (program details shared below.)
The Directors reflected on the experience:
“Daily we could see their excitement, willingness and confidence growing. The girls participated in a showcase on Friday, presenting their work through the realms of theatre, dance, art, media and music. Laughter, tears and words were shared as the girls expressed their love and gratitude for the camp. This experience is truly something that they will never forget, and because of YOU, it was made possible. THANK YOU SO MUCH!”
Photos and video footage will be airing on the Barbuda Channel. We are grateful to the directors and all the volunteers that are nourishing Barbuda’s community.
BECOMING SUMMER RECITAL July 30, 2021 I Abundant Life Ministries Directors: Cleo Isaac, Catie Kohler, Allyson Trunzer Peer Leaders: Danielle Daley, Shakira James, Zemelia Thompson
WELCOMING REMARKS Ms. Cleo Issac
“NOTHING MORE” – Alternate Routes
Trinity Ashton, Je’Kyla John, Zara Walters, Kzon John Jules, Keandrae Lee, Xiomora Morris
We Hope You Enjoyed the Show! The cast of BECOMING wish to extend a heart felt “Thank You” to our sponsors:
Coco Point Fund & Barbuda Ocean Club!
BECOMING acknowledges the generous community contributions from:
Mrs. Jenita Cuffy Mr. & Mrs. Francois Ms. Anne-Marie Gore Ms. Adounisha Henry Ms. Ella Hamilton Ms. Paula Henry Mr. McElroy Jeffrey Mr. Nigel Joseph Mr. Mark Kohler Ms. Kelcina George & Mr. Oliver Trunzer Mrs. Darlene Parker-Beazer Mrs. Sharima Myers Ms. Rishella Webber Mrs. Sundara Punter Ms. Sylvia Walker Nedd
Thank you for your contribution toward the Barbuda Youth Art Workshop and Exhibition. Over 25 young artists participated in this event which culminated at an Art Exhibit this Saturday at Abundant Life Ministries. Fifty Barbudans attended the event where we awarded nine cash prizes to young artists who submitted entries in to the “Sunday Morning” Exhibit.
As another school year approaches it’s end, we’ve been reflecting on all of our scholarships recipients and where they are in the world!
Each year the Coco Point Fund continues to ask for scholarship donations to allow more candidates to pursue their education. As it operates in it’s 22nd year it continues to be a critical resource. We have assisted 25 students in the last 5 years.
The scholarship fund was created to help assist worthy Barbudan students with partial scholarships to colleges and universities around the world. It was set up in order to provide educational opportunities for young residents of Barbuda wishing to pursue education beyond the level of education offered on Antigua and Barbuda and who intend to return to Barbuda following completion of their studies to give something back to their community.
It is truly amazing to see where students from Barbuda study, and how broad the subjects are. From education to hospitality, to computer science, to finance and medicine, students are gaining incredible knowledge that can be brought back to the Island to support its growth. The range of countries and schools is as far and wide as the subjects with students at institutions like Shenandoah University, Walden University, University of the West Indies, University of the Southern Caribbean, York University and Universidad Escula Latino Americana de Medicina.
We congratulate the following students below who are pursuing their studies – keep up the good work! And thank you for your continued donations making it possible for students like this to grow and return to Barbuda to help the Island prosper.
EZEKIEL FRANCIOS
University of West Indies, Five Islands Campus
Ezekiel is a great recipient who touched base with the Fund recently. He explained his work creating a Constitution at his campus and his outreach efforts. He explains here:
"At the UWI Five Islands Campus and every other UWI Campus we have a Guild of Students. I had the great opportunity to create our Constitution, which outlines all the roles and responsibilities of each and every member of the Guild of students. So, essentially I would have created my own roles and responsibilities. The Constitution was so well done that it is in the works currently to be adopted as the foundation for a "One Guild" Constitution, this is basically a constitution to govern all of the campuses as one unit."
"As Vice President the main role I had was to foster relations among students through the creation of Clubs and Societies. I was ecstatic at the fact that during the year we were able to successfully start about 15. These have been a huge success so far, with many students saying it has allowed them to experience University on a more social level."
"Another role as Vice President is to have different community outreach programs. The outreach program that I am most proud of is one that has helped the students in Barbuda. Basically what was done is that we sell merchandise based on Five Islands Campus and a percentage of the proceeds go towards the most improved Primary and Secondary school student to help with school supplies and other needs. Another program I have started is the Internship program to enable our students to receive valuable work experience while studying."
"The last project that I had recently concluded was a Continuity plan. This plan is to ensure that even after our current Guild is gone that a foundation is there to guide incoming Guilds for years to come."
SUPPLIES TO THE ELDERLY AND SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS
Pictured below was another outreach projects that Ezekiel was involved in. “We were packing supplies that we received from a sponsorship with the supermarket, First Choice in Antigua. We had a lot of supplies such as small food stuffs and sanitation equipment. Each bag varied depending on the size of the family that we were distributing the bags to. We worked with someone from the Five Islands community to find those who were deemed to be most in need, with special focus on the elderly and single parent, low income households. Then the same day, directly after those pictures were taken we distributed the packages around the community.
The first picture with the 3 people, included myself in the red and the man in the chair was our principal at the time, Stafford Griffith, and the other person is the Guild President, Caleb Gardiner. The 2nd picture included the Guild members that were present and helped with the packaging and distribution of the bags.”
STARR GEORGE
Waldorf University, Journalism
I started Waldorf University on January 20th 2021. With my small time there for that semester I’ve been involved in a series of events like taste of the world where students come together to display a cuisine from their country to the school.
I’ve also been a part of the world student’s association where students have a place to come together and have fun and learn about different cultures and learn new things.
In that short time in WSA, my work didn’t go unnoticed, I was then crown Public Relations Journalist at the end of the semester.
I can’t wait to start next semester to continue doing my best!
While acts of charity, kindness and generosity are not done for acknowledgment or applause, letters like the one we received from Clifton Francois not only inspire us to continue the work we do but remind us of the needs on the island and how impactful we can be!
Mr. Francois of the Barbuda Channel was gifted broadcasting equipment purchased by the Cocopoint Fund in order to upgrade his system to be compatible with current systems worldwide. After receiving the equipment Mr. Francois emailed our President, Mike Smith the following:
“You all continue to bring smiles to Barbudans with all you have been doing. When you all came I really wanted to give up but this just really let me feel like someone really cares. May you all continue to be blessed and stay safe. Thank you again.”
Please read his formal letter below and if you’d like to see more from Barbuda Channel check them out on Facebook!
Remember your donations are so very meaningful and are changing lives!
LETTER FROM CLIFTON FRANCOIS, BARBUDA CHANNEL
From: Clifton Francois & Barbuda Channel Team. Date: 12th February, 2021 Subject: Greatly appreciate your invaluable contribution.
Dear All,
It has been said that hard work and determination will pay off one day and certainly today is like a payback day for all the many years of my long labour in Barbuda. Words cannot express how I felt that day when I reached out Cocopoint Fund because everything we had was just failing and it was like there was no light at the end.
After reaching out to him, it was surprising to learn that Mr. Mike Smith and his team had made a visit to Barbuda.
I was shocked that without hesitation you all came by the studio, saw what we were doing and promised that you will help to get it done. Today along with Catie (Ocean Club) and Annmarie and Bentham I was elated that your promise came to fruition and was made a reality, a dream come through.
Now, with thanks to you all, the Barbuda Channel’s quality will be like that of all the other stations.
I want to say keep doing what you all are doing and keep making people happy and making what seems like almost impossible goals, be reached.
I will never ever forget this day. I will keep praying strength for you all and that you all will be able to help many more people in the future.
Thank you all! Thank you all! l thank you all and I will never ever forget this contribution. Yours Truly, Clifton Francois
Dear Coco Point Fund Friends and Donors, While many of us hunkering down with blustering winter storms outside, our beloved island of Barbuda is glowing! We thought in addition to a cup of hot chocolate maybe some of these photos would warm your heart.
The house painting supplies sent by our Fund have produced some wonderfully cheerful homes on the Island, restored to their glory before the storm. Enjoy these happy homes and some of the contributing faces who put our supplies to good use!!
Remember that your donations are always used promptly and to make a real impact. Our current focus is dental equipment and medical testing equipment as the Wellness Center nears completion as well as shelters at the dock. Your continued support is crucial – please consider giving today!
Buck finishes up a peach colored house.
Charles stands in front of his house that he completed using materials donated by the Fund.
EZEKIEL FRANCIOS
University of West Indies, Five Islands Campus
Ezekiel is a great recipient who touched base with the Fund recently. He explained his work creating a Constitution at his campus and his outreach efforts. He explains here:
"At the UWI Five Islands Campus and every other UWI Campus we have a Guild of Students. I had the great opportunity to create our Constitution, which outlines all the roles and responsibilities of each and every member of the Guild of students. So, essentially I would have created my own roles and responsibilities. The Constitution was so well done that it is in the works currently to be adopted as the foundation for a "One Guild" Constitution, this is basically a constitution to govern all of the campuses as one unit."
"As Vice President the main role I had was to foster relations among students through the creation of Clubs and Societies. I was ecstatic at the fact that during the year we were able to successfully start about 15. These have been a huge success so far, with many students saying it has allowed them to experience University on a more social level."
"Another role as Vice President is to have different community outreach programs. The outreach program that I am most proud of is one that has helped the students in Barbuda. Basically what was done is that we sell merchandise based on Five Islands Campus and a percentage of the proceeds go towards the most improved Primary and Secondary school student to help with school supplies and other needs. Another program I have started is the Internship program to enable our students to receive valuable work experience while studying."
"The last project that I had recently concluded was a Continuity plan. This plan is to ensure that even after our current Guild is gone that a foundation is there to guide incoming Guilds for years to come."
