The Tribune

Platinum recording artist Olivia has taken to the ‘Twitterverse’ to raise awareness for the Sandals Foundation and its efforts to support the P.A.C.E. Foundation, which provides education and support to teenage mothers, while promoting awareness to help reduce teen pregnancy.

The Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International, aims to make a positive difference in communities existing in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, the Turks and Caicos Islands, Grenada and The Bahamas. Since 2011, the Sandals Foundation has been raising awareness and funding for P.A.C.E, and now Olivia has joined in these efforts.

Olivia is notably known as the first artist signed to the legendary Clive Davis’ J Records. Her gold-selling single, “Bizounce” was the lead track for the release of her self-titled debut album “Olivia’ in 2001, which sold over 500,000 copies. She later signed a deal with Interscope Records, where 50 Cent crowned her The First Lady of G-Unit. With over 750,000 fans on social media, and 12 million fans who watch her YouTube promotional and video releases, Olivia is on the rise.

Over the next few weeks, Olivia is connecting with friends and fans on Twitter asking for their help to donate to this cause by texting PACE to 71777. P.A.C.E. has assisted over 3,000 adolescent mothers in the Bahamas. The organisation is seeking funding for its most recent project, the refurbishment of a building on East Street with the goal of ensuring that young mothers have access to a support centre that will accommodate learning facilities, administrative services and nursery assistance.

Olivia attended the “Vibes on the Island” fundraising event at Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island in support of P.A.C.E. While in The Bahamas, she visited the new P.A.C.E. facility on East Street to saw first-hand what renovations are needed in order to complete the state-of-the art facility. Additionally, she visited with many of the young women currently enrolled in P.A.C.E. and was able to lend her support and give encouraging words.

“I was fortunate to be raised by two loving Caribbean parents who instilled in me great values, and the philosophy of giving back. I am excited to be able to inspire and mentor these beautiful young women in The Bahamas so that they may excel and have a brighter future,” said Olivia, who is also a composer, producer, author, actress, arranger and much more.

The talented and internationally-recognized artist – raised in Brooklyn, NY – chose to partner with the Sandals Foundation because of its work in a region that is close to her heart.

“Through our partnerships, we are determined to support educational and community development in the Bahamas,” said Heidi Clarke, director of programs of the Sandals Foundation. “The P.A.C.E. Foundation, through its program for teen mothers, has made a significant contribution to the development of young women, and the overall increase in awareness of the effects of teenage pregnancy. The Sandals Foundation is committed to supporting P.A.C.E. in any way we can and we’re extremely excited to have Olivia on board.”

“I am hoping that by joining forces with the Sandals Foundation, together we can raise awareness for P.A.C.E., which is such an important program, and achieve the resource goals necessary to continue re-building this essential facility,” Olivia said.