CIBC Caribbean honoured Justin Delattibudiere of Campion College and Cheyanne Daley of Glenmuir High School as its 2025 scholars in the Student Programme for Innovation in Science and Engineering (SPISE), hosted each summer by the Caribbean Science Foundation at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill in Barbados.

Delattibudiere, 17, has long excelled in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, and says engineering appeals to him because “it offers endless avenues — from civil and mechanical to software — where I can solve the real-world problems I see around me.”

He beamed at the chance to attend SPISE, noting, “I’m so happy and honoured! This programme feels like the perfect stepping stone to bring my ideas to life.”

Away from his textbooks, Delattibudiere holds a black belt in karate and captains his school’s field hockey team.

Daley, 18, rounds out her final year at Glenmuir High with top grades in biology, maths, and computer science. As vice-president of her robotics club, she mentors younger students in coding and circuitry.

“I’m thrilled beyond words! SPISE’s hands-on labs and capstone projects will let me move my ideas from theory into inventions that can benefit communities across Jamaica and beyond,” she said.

Dr Dinah Sah, co-executive director of the Caribbean Science Foundation, welcomed the two to SPISE, a rigorous five-week programme of lectures, lab work, and mentorship.

“Every year we see a remarkable convergence of passion and potential,” she said. “Justin brings sharp analytical rigour and an eagerness to tackle engineering’s toughest challenges, while Cheyanne combines creativity and social conscience in her technological pursuits. SPISE is designed not only to deepen their technical skills but also to broaden their vision — encouraging them to ask, ‘How can my work improve lives in our region?’ I have no doubt that their current and future efforts will reflect both ingenuity and a commitment to solving Caribbean-specific problems, from sustainable energy to resilient infrastructure.”

Throughout the summer, the students will collaborate with 25 peers from across Caricom, tackling interdisciplinary challenges and developing prototypes that address pressing social, environmental, and technological issues unique to the Caribbean.