New NFLP Programme Coordinators For Community & Business

The National Financial Literacy Programme (NFLP) now has two Programme Coordinators for Business and Community. They are Marcia Armstrong, who is spearheading the Business component, while Fabian Sargeant, is leading the Community element.

In making the announcement, National Coordinator of the NFLP, Fabian Bartlett, emphasised the importance of the appointments, stating that the programme is built on three pillars – schools or FLITE, business, and community.

Mr. Bartlett continued: “We really want to see every Barbadian FREE – financially resilient, educated and empowered. We believe that with this three-pronged approach we can actually achieve that goal.

“We are targeting school children who are in their formative developmental years, and their parents who are in the community and the business spaces, so we are not leaving any stone unturned.”

Ms. Armstrong brings to her new role over 15 years’ experience in banking and personal finance. She holds an Associate Degree in Office Administration with Management, a Bachelor’s Degree in Management with concentration in International Business, and a Master of Business Administration.

Under her business brand, A Purpose Life, she has worked with several local agencies, focusing particularly on entrepreneurs and MSMEs. She previously served as a facilitator in the NFLP’s FLITE component and was the Camp Director for the recently held FLITE Summer Experience.

Mr. Sargeant has worked extensively with the community and numerous social agencies across the island and holds a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Work with Honours.

He is a Consultant Social Worker and Community Development Specialist, and his professional expertise includes project management, social programming, youth and community development, counselling, and community mediation.

Both Ms. Armstrong and Mr. Sargeant are excited about their new roles in assisting Barbadians with their businesses and in the community to become more financially literate, so they can thrive in their environments.

Ms. Armstrong shared: “I’m really excited about the Business pillar because it gives us an opportunity to strengthen the MSME sector, the heartbeat of Barbados’ economy. When we get this right, we help business owners build sound financial habits, from proper record-keeping and tax planning to strong governance structures.                         

“Through this pillar, we’re creating a pathway that embeds financial literacy into business operations, positioning MSMEs to access financing and the wider suite of products within the financial system, so they can grow, scale, and sustain their impact.”

Mr. Sargeant stated: “At the community level, there are some specific groups that we really want to tap into – persons with disabilities, the elderly, single parents and persons who have been released from prison.

“It is important that we tap into these vulnerable groups because they’re the ones who really feel the pinch a lot more and getting them to a point where they can manage their pennies will put them in a better position to grow and develop as individuals and even as families.” 

The Programme Coordinator – Business will lead the design and implementation of structured financial literacy programmes targeting entrepreneurs, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, informal sector operators, and aspiring business owners across the island. 

On the other hand, the Programme Coordinator – Community will lead the development and delivery of long-term financial literacy programmes across community centres and clubs, faith-based institutions, and vulnerable groups. (PR/GIS)