board of directors
July 27, 2023
The current board consists of Charles (Phil) Broome - Chair/President, Sylvester Hunte - Vice Chair, Jessica Carrington - Secretary, Hugh Graham - Treasurer, Reeva Goodman, Ferdinand Gill, Joan Hinds, Dr. Sandra Newton, Christopher Graham Reid, Janessa Scantlebury and Penelope Walcott. Below are short biographies of the board members.
Charles (Phil) Broome - Chair
Charles Phil Broome retired in 2016 from Scotiabank, where he last held the position of Vice President and led the bank's International Compliance and Operational Risks Regulatory Projects International Group. A seasoned banker with over 37 years of service, Phil started his career in the Bridgetown branch in Barbados as a teller and worked his way up through the organization to Senior Accounting Officer in the Bridgetown branch before he immigrated to Canada.
Phil is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where he majored in Management & Economics. He and his wife Elizabeth (Betty) have adult children. He is an avid sports fan with Soccer, Cricket, Baseball and Hockey being his main interests.
Phil is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, where he majored in Management & Economics. He and his wife Elizabeth (Betty) have adult children. He is an avid sports fan with Soccer, Cricket, Baseball and Hockey being his main interests.
Sylvester Hunte - Vice Chair
Sylvester was born and raised in St. Andrew, Barbados. He received his secondary education at the Alleyne School in Barbados and after immigrating to Canada, attended University of Toronto where he earned a BSc (Chemistry).
Recently retired, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 37 years, spanning three companies. He spent his entire career in the industry in operations where he started at an entry level position and worked his way up through plant management, ending his career as Director of Production.
Sylvester has been a member of the Alleyne School Alumni since 1985 and is currently president of The Canadian Alleyne School Alumni and Friends Organization.
His hobbies include reading, current affairs, watching sports (especially basketball, track, boxing and cricket), listening to music and travelling.
Recently retired, he worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 37 years, spanning three companies. He spent his entire career in the industry in operations where he started at an entry level position and worked his way up through plant management, ending his career as Director of Production.
Sylvester has been a member of the Alleyne School Alumni since 1985 and is currently president of The Canadian Alleyne School Alumni and Friends Organization.
His hobbies include reading, current affairs, watching sports (especially basketball, track, boxing and cricket), listening to music and travelling.
Jessica Carrington - Secretary
Secretary of Barbados Canada Foundation since 2014, Mrs. Carrington was president of Barbados Overseas-Community Canada Inc. (a not-for-profit organization) from 1997 until its closure last year. Past president of Barbados Ball Canada Aid (BBCA), she also served as BBCA's secretary. She has been a member of BBCA since inception and played an active role in organizing the annual Barbados Ball. Jessica is also a past president of the National Council of Barbadian Associations Canada (NCBAC) and was the Women's Representative on NCBAC's board.
Mrs. Carrington retired from the Toronto Transit Commission in 1998 after 30 years of service and went on to be an independent financial services representative for a major financial services provider.
Jessica has received several awards during her years of community service and as recently as January 2021 she received the Anglican Church’s Order of the Diocese of Toronto Medallion, created to honour members of the laity who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their volunteer ministry.
She was married to the late Markie Carrington and has two children and six grandchildren.
Mrs. Carrington retired from the Toronto Transit Commission in 1998 after 30 years of service and went on to be an independent financial services representative for a major financial services provider.
Jessica has received several awards during her years of community service and as recently as January 2021 she received the Anglican Church’s Order of the Diocese of Toronto Medallion, created to honour members of the laity who have given outstanding service over a significant period of time in their volunteer ministry.
She was married to the late Markie Carrington and has two children and six grandchildren.
Hugh Graham - Treasurer
A retired career banker, Mr. Graham held senior management positions in Commercial Banking, Credit Risk Management and Commercial Mortgages at RBC, Royal Bank.
Chair/President of Barbados Canada Foundation from its inception, Mr. Graham was recently returned to the board and elected Treasurer. Mr. Graham was also Vice President of Barbados Ball Canada Aid and Co-Chair of the Annual Barbados Ball. He was also president of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) from 2001 to 2006, was Chair of the Caribana Festival Advisory Board, Co-Chair of P&G Walk for United Way, a member of the United Way African Canadian Community Task Force and a member of the Community Advisory Board of Sun TV.
A founding member of the York Region Saturday School Program, he was a director of the Children’s Wish Foundation, Chair of the Toronto Police Service Black Community Advisory Committee, Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee of Community/Police Advisory Committees that provided input into 1999 amendment of the Ontario Police Services Act; and a spokesperson of the Coalition of African Canadian Community Organizations. A founding member of DLP Barbados (Canada), he served as the organization's 1st Vice President.
Mr. Graham is the recipient of the following awards: Mayor of Markham Black History Month Award, Eglinton Community Initiative Plaque of Recognition, African Canadian Achievement Award, the Barbados Ball Award for Dedication and Outstanding Achievement, the Barbados Independence Community Award, the DLP Barbados (Canada) Award for Dedication and Outstanding Achievement and the Harry Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award. He is motivated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's quotation: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
Chair/President of Barbados Canada Foundation from its inception, Mr. Graham was recently returned to the board and elected Treasurer. Mr. Graham was also Vice President of Barbados Ball Canada Aid and Co-Chair of the Annual Barbados Ball. He was also president of the Black Business and Professional Association (BBPA) from 2001 to 2006, was Chair of the Caribana Festival Advisory Board, Co-Chair of P&G Walk for United Way, a member of the United Way African Canadian Community Task Force and a member of the Community Advisory Board of Sun TV.
A founding member of the York Region Saturday School Program, he was a director of the Children’s Wish Foundation, Chair of the Toronto Police Service Black Community Advisory Committee, Chair of the Ad-Hoc Committee of Community/Police Advisory Committees that provided input into 1999 amendment of the Ontario Police Services Act; and a spokesperson of the Coalition of African Canadian Community Organizations. A founding member of DLP Barbados (Canada), he served as the organization's 1st Vice President.
Mr. Graham is the recipient of the following awards: Mayor of Markham Black History Month Award, Eglinton Community Initiative Plaque of Recognition, African Canadian Achievement Award, the Barbados Ball Award for Dedication and Outstanding Achievement, the Barbados Independence Community Award, the DLP Barbados (Canada) Award for Dedication and Outstanding Achievement and the Harry Jerome Lifetime Achievement Award. He is motivated by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's quotation: "An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity."
Reeva Goodman
Reeva has many years of experience in personal and commercial banking services. In her most recent role as Branch Manager at the RCB eXperience, she leads a team of advisors who not only impact client experience, but act as RBC’s newest brand ambassadors.
Although born and raised in Canada, she grew up in a household rich with Bajan culture. Reeva’s immense love for Barbados and passion for giving back to her community, are evident in her past and current involvement in the Annual Barbados Independence Events.
Most notable are her creative writing and acting talents as part of Standpipe Production. She also takes part in giving back to the community by mentoring students and youth. Reeva takes great pride in her Bajan history and culture and has made it her mission to inform others of all that Barbados and its people have to offer.
Although born and raised in Canada, she grew up in a household rich with Bajan culture. Reeva’s immense love for Barbados and passion for giving back to her community, are evident in her past and current involvement in the Annual Barbados Independence Events.
Most notable are her creative writing and acting talents as part of Standpipe Production. She also takes part in giving back to the community by mentoring students and youth. Reeva takes great pride in her Bajan history and culture and has made it her mission to inform others of all that Barbados and its people have to offer.
Ferdinand Gill
Ferdinand Gill Joined the Barbados Foreign Service in November 1986 and was immediately transferred to the Barbados High Commission in Port of Spain, Trinidad, where he served as Cultural Attaché. He also held postings in New York and Miami until his retirement from the office of the Consulate General for Barbados at Toronto, Dec 23, 2018
Mr. Gill graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus in 1987,
where he gained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Public Sector Management and law. He subsequently undertook post graduate studies in International relations at the New Delhi Foreign Service Institute in India where he graduated with distinction. He also completed studies in Consular Diplomacy with the University of Malta.
Prior to his stints in the Foreign Service, he worked in the below mentioned Government departments, in Barbados: Public Library, School Meals, Data processing and H.M Prison.
During his formative years he also served in The Barbados Regiment attaining the rank of sergeant.
Mr. Gill’s hobbies are Listening to Music and Cycling.
Married to Sherry Hack, Mr. Gill is the father of one son: Kofi and has an adorable grandson - Aiden. They both reside in Barbados.
Mr. Gill graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine campus in 1987,
where he gained his Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Public Sector Management and law. He subsequently undertook post graduate studies in International relations at the New Delhi Foreign Service Institute in India where he graduated with distinction. He also completed studies in Consular Diplomacy with the University of Malta.
Prior to his stints in the Foreign Service, he worked in the below mentioned Government departments, in Barbados: Public Library, School Meals, Data processing and H.M Prison.
During his formative years he also served in The Barbados Regiment attaining the rank of sergeant.
Mr. Gill’s hobbies are Listening to Music and Cycling.
Married to Sherry Hack, Mr. Gill is the father of one son: Kofi and has an adorable grandson - Aiden. They both reside in Barbados.
Joan Hinds
Joan has many years of experience as a Legal Assistant having worked at McMillan LLP and Blake Cassels & Graydon LLP. She now works at Metrolinx as an Executive Assistant supporting senior management in the Legal Services Department. She also manages the department’s reference library and is responsible for the office stationery budget, ordering supplies and reconciling related expenses. In addition, she is a member of the Legal Services’ Employee Advisory Committee and the Social Committee.
Joan has a passion for “giving back” and for over ten years has been a proud volunteer with the “Look Good Feel Better” monthly workshops held at the Princess Margaret Hospital Lodge. These workshops provide hair, skincare and beauty care for women undergoing cancer treatments. She was a member of the fundraising committee for the Barbados Ball (working with the Silent and Live Auctions) and is also a member of the fundraising committee for Barbados Canada Foundation.
Joan has a passion for “giving back” and for over ten years has been a proud volunteer with the “Look Good Feel Better” monthly workshops held at the Princess Margaret Hospital Lodge. These workshops provide hair, skincare and beauty care for women undergoing cancer treatments. She was a member of the fundraising committee for the Barbados Ball (working with the Silent and Live Auctions) and is also a member of the fundraising committee for Barbados Canada Foundation.
Dr. Sandra Newton
Sandra Newton is a Barbadian-born, Greater Toronto Area-based, Clinical and School Psychologist in Supervised Practice with training in developmental, clinical, and school psychology. She completed her undergraduate studies at McMaster University and graduate training (M.A. and Ph.D.) at The University of Toronto. Sandra is currently engaged in work within school systems and private practice and provides clinical, psychoeducational and interventional supports to children, youth, and families facing a variety of presenting concerns.
Sandra has a longstanding interest in advocacy, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease and commitment to improving health, equity, and quality of life outcomes in the community more broadly. She has served on the boards of several charitable organizations benefiting health, education and social causes, most recently Camp Jumoke, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, the Black Health Alliance, and TAIBU Community Health Centre. Sandra currently supports psychosocial, education and research initiatives through the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO) and received SCAGO's Allied Health award for service at the 2023 Hope Gala.
Sandra has a longstanding interest in advocacy, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease and commitment to improving health, equity, and quality of life outcomes in the community more broadly. She has served on the boards of several charitable organizations benefiting health, education and social causes, most recently Camp Jumoke, the Sickle Cell Association of Ontario, the Black Health Alliance, and TAIBU Community Health Centre. Sandra currently supports psychosocial, education and research initiatives through the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario (SCAGO) and received SCAGO's Allied Health award for service at the 2023 Hope Gala.
Christopher Graham Reid
Christopher Graham Reid is a senior communications consultant at iQ3 Media & Communications, and Chief Strategy & Solutions Architect at AviKast Inc., where he serves as an experienced innovator in the fusion of equity and vital communications with technology. His consulting entails the ideation and design of tools, campaigns and applications to solve social problems - particularly across issues of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, abilities, access, equity and public health.
One of Christopher's latest tools under development is a mobile-based broadcast application created for critical environments such as schools, shelters, housing communities and harm reduction centres. Designed by Christopher to bridge the gap between the need for vital content and those who have the ability to create such content, the solution will drive collaboration among an ecosystem of artists, mediators, thought leaders and subject matter experts who will offer customized vital content in multiple formats - including audio, video and immersive - via a cloud-based marketplace.
Over the years, Christopher's equity consulting, awareness campaigns and systems design have resonated with an array of public-facing organizations. His expertise has been called upon by such clients as CBC Barbados, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Health, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, CUPE Ontario, Urban Alliance on Race Relations and the City of Hamilton.
One of Christopher's latest tools under development is a mobile-based broadcast application created for critical environments such as schools, shelters, housing communities and harm reduction centres. Designed by Christopher to bridge the gap between the need for vital content and those who have the ability to create such content, the solution will drive collaboration among an ecosystem of artists, mediators, thought leaders and subject matter experts who will offer customized vital content in multiple formats - including audio, video and immersive - via a cloud-based marketplace.
Over the years, Christopher's equity consulting, awareness campaigns and systems design have resonated with an array of public-facing organizations. His expertise has been called upon by such clients as CBC Barbados, Ontario Science Centre, Toronto Public Health, Centre for Addiction & Mental Health, CUPE Ontario, Urban Alliance on Race Relations and the City of Hamilton.
Janessa Scantlebury
Janessa Scantlebury was a recipient of the John Rollock Memorial Scholarship for the 2014-2015 school year. She graduated from University of Guelph with an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood degree in 2014, from Sir Wilfred Laurier University with a Bachelor of Education in 2015 and from University of Western Ontario with a Master of Professional Education in 2017.
Janessa is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and an Ontario Certified teacher and is currently working as an occasional teacher with the York Region District and Halton District School Boards.
Janessa has a passion for education and care and has dedicated herself to continuous learning in the field over the last seven years. She believes that all children can achieve individualized goals and need to be supported in safe, inclusive environments that promote well-being, equity, engagement and student success. As she is at the beginning of her career she is hopeful for the future and where her passion for learning will take her.
Janessa is a Registered Early Childhood Educator and an Ontario Certified teacher and is currently working as an occasional teacher with the York Region District and Halton District School Boards.
Janessa has a passion for education and care and has dedicated herself to continuous learning in the field over the last seven years. She believes that all children can achieve individualized goals and need to be supported in safe, inclusive environments that promote well-being, equity, engagement and student success. As she is at the beginning of her career she is hopeful for the future and where her passion for learning will take her.
Penny Walcott
Born in Barbados, Penelope was educated St Michael’s Girls School and Queen’s College. She won a scholarship to study foreign languages at University of West Indies but after one year of studies immigrated to Canada in 1974. Penny earned her nursing diploma at Centennial College and embarked on her nursing career at Toronto East General Hospital in 1978.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Administrative Studies and her Masters in Health Administration.
In 2018 Penny retired from Michael Garron Hospital, formerly Toronto East General Hospital where she was Director of the Surgery Program since 1996. She was also a part time professor in the Health Information Faculty at George Brown College.
Penny was a founding member of the Barbados Nurses Association of Canada and a recipient of an African Canadian Awards (ACAA) award in the field of Medicine.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Administrative Studies and her Masters in Health Administration.
In 2018 Penny retired from Michael Garron Hospital, formerly Toronto East General Hospital where she was Director of the Surgery Program since 1996. She was also a part time professor in the Health Information Faculty at George Brown College.
Penny was a founding member of the Barbados Nurses Association of Canada and a recipient of an African Canadian Awards (ACAA) award in the field of Medicine.