PHOTO CAPTION: (L-R) Jason Taylor, Rachael Allahar, Noah Pickering, Chilean Burrows, and Kishan Munroe celebrate the scholarship outcome.
PHOTO CREDIT: Cay Focus Photography.
NASSAU, The Bahamas – RF Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Limited (RF), in partnership with the Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD) and the Ministry of Education & Technical & Vocational Training (MOETVT), has awarded a combined $31,000 undergraduate scholarship to Noah Pickering, a twelfth-grade prefect at St. Anne’s School. The award presentation was held last month at RF House on East Hill Street, marking the launch of RF’s inaugural Arts Scholarship.
Pickering, who maintains a 3.82 GPA, will pursue studies in fine arts starting this fall. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the award:
“I’m glad this opportunity has been made available to people like me, people who are passionate about art,” he said. “It’s a dream come true, and I hope even more Bahamian students will benefit moving forward.”
The award incorporates $8,000 from the inaugural RF Arts Scholarship, which was established to expand opportunities for Bahamian artists. This year’s contribution was entirely funded by ‘Past Forward’—the regional investment bank’s first-ever philanthropic art exhibition, held last November at One Marina Paradise Island. Curated by SCAD alumni Jason Taylor and Kishan Munroe, the show brought together nearly a dozen Bahamian artists, diverse in background, discipline, and creative scope, to reflect on the trajectory of Bahamian culture.
“From the exhibition to the presentation, it’s been a remarkable journey,” said Munroe, who serves as Chair of the School of Communication & Creative Arts at the University of The Bahamas. “I really applaud RF for their cultural leadership, and their dedication to youth development.”
Taylor added: “Opportunities like this haven’t always been around. We’re honoured to be helping Bahamian creatives build their careers and strengthen the sector.”
By supporting local artists as well as the creative economy, RF once again puts its community-first ethos into practice.
“Art speaks to who we are, where we come from, and where we’re going,” said RF Vice President and Chief of Marketing Rachael Allahar. “We’re delighted to recognise Noah for all his hard work and support him as he continues his creative journey.”
The Ministry of Education, Science & Technology welcomed the scholarship, highlighting the inclusive, empowering nature of RF’s initiative:
“We’re proud to partner with RF for its inaugural arts scholarship, which has helped a rising Bahamian artist realise his dreams,” said Minister Chester Cooper. “Art enriches our way of life, while also serving as a catalyst for innovation and community development. Through this scholarship, RF sets itself apart as a true champion of the Bahamian art community.”
About RF
Since its inception in 1997, RF has been committed to helping clients create and manage wealth. The firm has helped clients raise over USD $2.5 billion in capital, manages $1.5 billion in assets, and administers over $2.5 billion. RF offers a broad range of financial solutions including Mutual Funds, Investment Management, Investment Banking, Group & Personal Pension Plans, Stock Brokerage, and Trust & Estate Planning.
For more information, please visit http://www.www.rfgroup.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram @rfbanktrust.
MEDIA CONTACT
Ethan Knowles
Regional Communications Supervisor
RF Bank & Trust
+1 242 6036000
