Barbados Nature Fun Ranch
Commonwealth Point of Light 57. Corey Lane
Corey Lane, representing Barbados, has created a fully working farm to provide young Barbadians at risk of falling into a life of crime with a positive alternative.
Starting out with one horse, a crop of lettuce plants and some rabbits in his Grandmother’s backyard, Corey has grown the ‘Nature Fun Ranch’ into a thriving charity. Relocated on a larger site, the ranch is now home to 16 horses and a range of sports facilities including an archery space and obstacle course. The young people attending the project farm watermelons, squash and peppers, distributing their harvests to the local public hospitals. Over 2,000 young people have visited the ranch, developing leadership skills, learning about healthy lifestyles, integrating positively with the local community and having fun. The late Prime Minister of Barbados, David Thompson was a devoted supporter of the ranch and, in 2016, Corey showed Prince Harry the innovative work taking place there as part of his visit marking Barbados’ 50th anniversary of independence.
The award for Corey will be presented at Government House by Her Excellency the Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason.
Corey said:
“I’m extremely happy to be the second Commonwealth Point of Light for Barbados. Just ten years ago, I celebrated 20 years of service through the nature fun ranch and other community initiatives in Barbados, helping at risk young people to become citizens of excellence.”
Janet Douglas, UK High Commissioner in Barbados, said:
“I am pleased that Corey Lane has been chosen by Her Majesty The Queen as the second Commonwealth Point of Light for Barbados. Through his outstanding work with the ‘Nature Fun Ranch’ and other community initiatives, Corey has made a sterling contribution by turning round the lives of at risk teens in Barbados. Volunteering can make a real difference to communities, and Corey’s work shows what can be achieved.”
Pictured: (above) Corey congratulated on his award with Janet Douglas, UK High Commissioner in Barbados; (below) Corey with the Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason
Watch Corey’s response to receiving a Commonwealth Points of Light award:
He's "fired up, recharged & ready to continue" his voluntary work! This is the mood from #Barbados Commonwealth Point of Light @bajancorey. Congrats! #PointsofLight 🇬🇧🇧🇧 pic.twitter.com/t9yT3yplwV
— UKinCaribbean 🇬🇧 (@UKinCaribbean) June 19, 2018