About
Biography
Selwyn Holder was born and raised in St. Philip, Barbados. Three years in the police force and ten years in the food service industry has led him to his devotion towards public service.
Holder’s commitment to empowering the local youth and working tirelessly to help solve challenges faced by the community has earned him the reputation of a passionate and dedicated public servant.
Selwyn Holder has been described by those who know him as a man of integrity, a family man, and most importantly, a man who is committed to making a difference. He did not come from prestige and wealth, but through hard work and dedication he is where he is today. He serves as a role model in his community, showing that though you have a small start, you can go big places.
Background
Selwyn Holder comes from a working-class family, giving him deep empathy and understanding of the struggles countless members of the community face.
Selwyn Holder was born and raised in St. Philip in a village called Harrow Land. He went to primary school at St. Philip Primary School, which was at the time, St. Philip’s Boys’ School. Selwyn was an average student, wanting to be a firefighter from a young age. At the age of 11 he hoped to attend one of the island’s more established schools, however this was not to be. He went on to Princess Margaret Secondary School and was once again an average student, never fully understanding the value of his studies and the impact it would have on the years to come. He left school at 16 and went on to work for Structural System Ltd, and although he wanted to see more of what life had to offer, he continued until he achieved the position of supervisor. Still he longed for more, but never knew what that more was. This is when, with encouragement from his friends, he joined the British Virgin Island Police Force.
Education
Selwyn is a Princess Margaret alumnus. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Financial Management from South Eastern University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Bowie State University.
After working as a police officer for three years, Selwyn decided to further his education. He was accepted by South Eastern University where he studied Financial Management. After working full-time to support his studies, he graduated from South Eastern and went on to Bowie State University to pursue a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. Despite his academic accomplishments he could not find work in those fields. Instead, he worked as manager at various restaurants before, in 2004, he started his own company, Holder Enterprises Inc. For the past 20 years and going, the company has remained strong in the food service industry and has obtained clients and certifications in several states of America.
VISION
Selwyn envisions a community where everyone is enlightened, empowered, and valued, coming together as one UNITED force.
To create a community where every individual is inspired to reach their full potential, where knowledge is shared freely, and compassion and service are at the heart of all interactions. We envision a future where every person feels supported, uplifted, and valued, contributing to a more connected and harmonious community. Our campaign strives to ignite positive change that ripples outwards, touching lives with kindness and empowerment.
Misson
Selwyn is guided by his strong community and family values that fuel his mission for change.
To actively engage with individuals and throughout the community, providing them with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive and make a positive impact. We are dedicated to fostering a culture of learning, growth, and service, where the principles of compassion and unity guide every action. By working hand in hand with others, we aim to create a ripple effect of positivity that uplifts and transforms lives, making our shared vision of a brighter, more empowered community a reality.
Relevant accomplishments
Selwyn Holder has been giving to the youth of St. Philip North over the years;
Creating the Holder Computer Centres
Holder has remained a steadfast alumni of the St. Philip Primary School. St. Philip Primary school is one of the island’s more rural schools and it urgently needed technological upgrades in the wake of Covid-19. Selwyn, understanding and valuing the significance of these upgrades on the youth’s education, made donations of laptops to students in need and provided the school with two computers and a wireless printer which reside in what is called the The Selwyn Holder Computer Centre. He has made similar donations to the St. Mark and St. Catherine Primary Schools.
Donating school supplies to St. Philip North primary schools
The Holder Community Trust, under the leadership of Stanley Braithwaite, is committed to contributing to the needs of the St. Philip North primary school students. In keeping with this, the trust has made donations of school supplies to St. Philip North primary schools over the last few years. Holder is committed to continuing his support and will donate school supplies for all of the classes and students of the St. Philip Primary school for the September 2024 to July 2025 school year. He will also donate a computer and a $400 BDS certificate to each 2024 graduate to assist parents with the transition from primary to secondary school.