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Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 23, 2026
– St. Kitts and Nevis Citizenship Unit has donated $4,500 to Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School following a successful charity silent auction held during the Investment Gateway Summit (IGS) 2026.
At the centre of the fundraising effort was an original artwork created live by acclaimed local artist Lizca Bass. Over the course of the Summit’s opening two evenings, delegates watched the piece evolve in real time, making it a fitting representation of the creativity, collaboration, and community spirit that characterized this year’s event.
Bidding officially commenced during the Welcome Cocktail Reception on Wednesday and remained open throughout the Summit. The auction generated strong interest from delegates, investors, and strategic partners, resulting in a series of competitive offers.
The winning bid was announced during Friday night’s Gala, where Prime Developments secured the artwork. During the same event, the proceeds from the auction were formally presented to Mrs. Marcia Vanlow-Beaton on behalf of Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School.
Further support came from a generous benefactor who, despite narrowly missing the winning bid, contributed an additional $1,000 to the institution, underscoring the widespread commitment to the cause.
Cotton Thomas Comprehensive School was selected as the beneficiary in recognition of its dedicated work with differently abled students. The institution provides specialized educational support and a nurturing learning environment tailored to children with diverse needs.
The donation carries additional significance as June is observed as Child Month in St. Kitts and Nevis, a period dedicated to celebrating, protecting, and investing in the nation’s youth. As a result, the timing of the contribution aligns closely with broader national efforts to support the development and well-being of children across the Federation.
For the school, the funds represent a meaningful investment that will enhance educational resources and strengthen the learning environment available to students.
Beyond the immediate financial contribution, the initiative reflects the Citizenship Unit’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits generated through the Investment Gateway Summit extend beyond the event itself. By directing proceeds to a local educational institution, the Unit demonstrated its intention to create lasting value for communities throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.
Over the years, the silent auction has become one of the Summit’s most anticipated traditions, bringing together an international audience in support of a common cause while providing delegates with a meaningful opportunity to engage with the country they have chosen to invest in.
The decision to feature a homegrown artist at the heart of the initiative also highlighted the Federation’s rich cultural heritage, reinforcing the message that St. Kitts and Nevis offers far more than economic opportunity alone.
Ultimately, the project reflects the Citizenship Unit’s broader vision of citizenship as a catalyst for national development. By channeling resources directly into local institutions and initiatives that support future generations, the Unit continues to demonstrate how investment can translate into tangible social impact.
Through the combination of the Citizenship Programme and a hands-on charitable effort, IGS 2026 showcased the enduring value of partnership, shared prosperity, and community development, ensuring that the benefits of the programme are felt well beyond the Summit’s closing ceremonies.
Source: SKNIS
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