CIBC Caribbean Invests in Baking Masterclass

In a demonstration of its commitment to community development, and meaningful partnerships CIBC Caribbean has made a donation of $1,500 to the ‘Baking Masterclass’.

This support aims to continue to create meaningful opportunities for the youth to develop their baking skills and techniques while enhancing their confidence, creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial potential.

Recipient of the donation is founder/coordinator Lakeisha Wilson who holds 26 years of experience in Culinary Arts and Food Science as a Nutritionist, Food and Nutrition Teacher and Baker.

Wilson described the donation as “generous” and understands the importance of giving youth a platform to express themselves given her interest in baking since she was 9 years old.

“This financial support will enable the procurement of essential baking tools and equipment to facilitate our practical sessions, ensuring that participants have the resources required to learn, practice, and refine their skills. This partnership is an investment in our young people, empowering them to discover their potential, develop practical skills, and build confidence that extends beyond the kitchen,” Wilson said.

She further expressed her sincere gratitude stating, “I am so incredibly grateful to CIBC and the whole team for supporting this initiative and helping me make a meaningful difference in the lives of our girls.”

The Baking Masterclass is a community-based baking program that runs for 8 weeks and provides hands-on training, empowering aspiring young pastry chefs to learn and enhance their baking skills and techniques.

The current Girls’ Edition hosts three-hour sessions every Saturday with 27 girls ages 10-15. In addition to the Girls’ Edition, she also coordinates a Boys’ Edition and is currently organizing a one-day pie-making session for women, extending these learning opportunities to a wider community. The initiative is designed to develop practical baking skills, confidence, creativity, teamwork and entrepreneurial potential.

 “At CIBC, we take great pride in supporting initiatives that make a meaningful impact in our communities. The Baking Masterclass will equip young people with practical baking skills and knowledge that can serve them throughout their lives, while also encouraging creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-confidence,” Corporate Manager at CIBC Caribbean Alonzo Higgs said.

Higgs further recognized the importance of baking being a part of Turks and Caicos culture “Beyond the skills being taught, baking is an important part of our cultural heritage. Many of us in the Turks and Caicos Islands were raised on traditional staples such as johnny cakes, flour bread, banana bread, and potato bread. Preserving and passing down these treasured traditions to the next generation is both meaningful and important. We are therefore delighted to support this initiative and the positive impact it will have on our youth, our culture, and our wider community.”

Through this donation CIBC Caribbean hopes to assist the Baking Masterclass and continue its efforts to inspire young people and create meaningful opportunities for learning and development.