February 18, 2022. With the phased resumption of face-to-face school across the island beginning on February 21, 2022, it is important for students, teachers, and support staff to return to schools safely. Local manufacturer of Beep products, McBride (Caribbean) Limited has donated more than BDS$10,000 (US$5,000) worth of Beep hand sanitizing and disinfectant spray products to a group of primary and secondary schools within its catchment area.

The donations of Beep Liquid Hand Sanitizer, Automatic Dispensers and Disinfectant Spray were made to the Christ Church Foundation Secondary School, Deighton Griffith Secondary School, Princess Margaret Secondary School, Gordon Walters Primary School, Reynold Weekes Primary School, St. Bartholomew Primary School, St. Christopher Primary School, Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School and Blackman Gollop Primary School.

Assistant Sales & Marketing Manager, Caribbean, Ms. Shaneal Bynoe noted that the company was pleased to continue playing such an integral role in helping schools with their safety efforts, as the nation navigates the resumption of classes at this stage of the pandemic. Ms. Bynoe reminded the school representatives that Beep Disinfectant Spray has been certified by a U.S. EPA-compliant lab to kill the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and can be used on surfaces around school campuses to help maintain a safe in-person learning environment for teachers and students.

Managing Director of McBride, Mr. Ricardo Strickland stated that McBride has experienced significant growth over the past few years, now exporting to over 28 markets including new markets in Latin America entered over the past 3 years. McBride has established an operating location in the Dominican Republic and the United States as the company seeks to expand throughout the Americas. Mr. Strickland added that here in Barbados McBride outfitted the St. Bartholomew Primary School in August 2020 with Beep Automatic Dispensers and Liquid Hand Sanitizer and pledged to continue supporting this school and the others receiving donations, resources permitting.  Mr. Strickland revealed that the current environment is especially challenging as operating costs continue to rise at unprecedented levels. Ms. Anthea Gill, Principal of St. Bartholomew’s noted that McBride has faithfully contributed to the school over the years, and she is pleased that the company is continuing their support.

Gordon Walters Primary School Principal, Mrs. Bailey-Jones mentioned that funding is currently limited due to being unable to host fundraising activities. Major Michael Boyce, Principal of Deighton Griffith Secondary School stated that the fight against COVID-19 is not only the schools’ fight but that of the entire nation and all representatives shared in their appreciation of the donation which will aid in protecting students and staff.

On hand to receive the donations were principals and senior teachers from the selected schools.  This presentation is one of many McBride (Caribbean) Limited has made over the past year in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic to support key local agencies and organizations including the Ministry of Education, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Dodds Prison.