Antigua, June 19, 2025 – A local entrepreneur, Rhonda Spencer, has been awarded a US$5,000 Microeconomic Community Grant to launch her healthy food venture. This announcement coincides with the international non-profit organization, Caring for Others, revealing its intention to host its 7th annual International Poverty Forum (IPF) in Antigua in March 2026.
Spencer, who brings 18 years of experience in the culinary field, will utilize the grant to establish ‘Three Hearts Enterprise’ at Millers by the Sea. Her business will focus on providing nutritious food options for both tourists and local residents.
“My business idea is to present more healthy eating to our shores, having healthy snacks like salad bowls and smoothies, alongside bringing back my other talent, which is embroidery pieces,” Spencer stated during the announcement. “I find most times as a chef we cook what people want to eat but not what they need to eat.”
The name ‘Three Hearts Enterprise’ is a tribute to Spencer’s three children, aged four, 11, and 14. She also noted the timely nature of the grant, as it arrived just before her birthday. “It’s really a grateful feeling to know that I didn’t give up and that I did not let the negativity or the negative thoughts overwhelm me to not be in this position today,” Spencer expressed.
The grant presentation took place during a press conference where Dr. Eslene Richmond-Shockley, founder and CEO of Caring For Others Inc., outlined the organization’s plans for the 2026 IPF in Antigua.
“The International Poverty Forum is where we bring great minds together, taking time to talk about how we can eradicate poverty around the world,” Dr. Richmond-Shockley explained. Established in 2001, Caring For Others has expanded into a global organization with operational hubs in various regions, including the Caribbean, South America, West Africa, Belize, Santo Domingo, and the Philippines.
In 2024 alone, the organization assisted over 415,000 individuals and distributed nearly 3 million pounds of food and 10 million other products. Caring for Others has maintained a presence in Antigua for nearly 15 years.
The IPF has been an annual event since 2007, rotating among the countries where Caring For Others operates. The 2026 forum will mark the first time Antigua and Barbuda will serve as the host nation.
The forum is characterized as “a solutions-driven think tank of the best and brightest minds addressing the issue of global poverty.” Its Economic Empowerment Micro Economic loans are designed to promote “education, entrepreneurship and community resilience.”
Crystal Khalil, Board Chair of Caring For Others, highlighted that the forum aims to attract entrepreneurs and government officials interested in driving change in critical areas such as food insecurity, clothing, shelter and homelessness, education, employment and financial stability, and physical and mental health.
Past IPF events have featured notable speakers, including Magic Johnson, Tim Tebow, and sports agent Rich Paul.
“Our target audience are entrepreneurs that are interested in making a change and as well as government officials. We invite those who understand that we are all better together and that there has to be solutions,” Khalil stated.
The organization is currently in the process of finalizing the specific venue for the March 2026 forum, with two potential locations under consideration.
“It’s not about the handouts, it’s a hand up,” Shockley emphasized. “We have to help our leaders to understand we have to teach the people how to fish for themselves.”
Caring for Others operates through local partnerships, collaborating with volunteers to address community needs. Recent initiatives include providing support to the Rastafarian One Love community, where volunteers have assisted children with educational resources and academic maintenance.
