Patrons & Donors

yvonne spencer dyslexia center of the caribbean

Yvonne Spencer

Yvonne Spencer, founder of the Dyslexia Center of the Caribbean, has devoted her life to helping children with dyslexia reach their fullest potential. For over 30 years, she has led the Centre with compassion, dedication, and lifelong advocacy. Yvonne has been incredibly supportive and has played a key role in implementing the Project Uplift program into the Dyslexia Center, helping to expand its reach and impact. She has transformed countless lives and inspired a movement of understanding, support, and hope across the Caribbean.

Sir Louis Tull

Sir Louis Tull is a distinguished lawyer and former Member of Parliament in Barbados, with a career in public service spanning over three decades. He has held several ministerial roles, including Minister of Education and Culture, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Attorney General. A dedicated advocate for governance and diplomacy, Sir Louis has contributed to both national leadership and international parliamentary forums.

He has been honored with numerous accolades, including the Knight of St. Andrew and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal. Sir Louis holds degrees from the University of Manitoba, the University of Oxford, and St. John’s College, and currently serves on the board of Heritage Life Sciences Barbados Ltd.

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Dr. David O. Akombo

Dr. David O. Akombo is an internationally recognized scholar in music education and interdisciplinary musicology. He currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Culture, Creative and Performing Arts at the University of the West Indies Caribbean and has held academic positions across the United States. Dr. Akombo holds advanced degrees from Kenyatta University, Bowling Green State University, Point Loma Nazarene University, and the University of Florida. He has been published internationally, with research exploring music and cognitive development, ethnomusicology, and cultural identity, and he is a respected voice in global conversations on arts, education, and health.

Dr. David O. Akombo

Dr. Gillian Birchwood

Dr. Gillian Birchwood

Dr. Gillian Birchwood is a paediatrician and neonatologist who has worked extensively across the Caribbean promoting newborn care. She serves as Director of the Neonatal Unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Associate Professor at The University of the West Indies. Since 2014, Dr. Birchwood has been a Regional Neonatal Advisor with the Pan American Health Organization, conducting neonatal care audits and developing guidelines throughout the Caribbean. She holds an MB.BS and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Gillian-Birchwood

Frederick William (Bill) Molson

Bill Molson is a lifelong Montrealer and dedicated philanthropist with a professional background in finance and a strong commitment to civic engagement. Over several decades, he has contributed to governance, strategic planning, and community development through leadership roles in both the private and nonprofit sectors.

Bill has supported numerous education-focused initiatives and is known for his thoughtful guidance and long-term vision. He is particularly committed to strengthening local institutions and building inclusive, resilient communities. Bill holds a Commerce degree from Queen’s University and remains actively involved in charitable work throughout Montreal.

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Peter McConnell 

Peter McConnell is a longtime Montreal-based philanthropist with a strong commitment to education, health, and the arts. He has served on several nonprofit boards and believes deeply in education as the foundation for lifelong success. A dedicated supporter of Project Uplift since its inception, Peter continues to champion community growth through meaningful giving.

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Our Partners

Our Partners

Rotary Club Supports Literacy in Barbados
The Rotary Club of Barbados West, has been awarded a most impactful grant from The Rotary Foundation. Rotary West’s partnership with the Rotary Club of Lynwood (California), District 5280, District 7030 and the Caribbean Dyslexia Centre will support Project Uplift’s focus on dyslexia awareness, screening, training and intervention in Barbados. Our hearts are filled with pride and deep gratitude for this remarkable act of generosity. Together, we look forward to making a lasting difference in the lives of children in Barbados. Thank you to both Rotary clubs and all partners for helping to turn a dream into a bright and hopeful reality.