In 2014 First Citizens made a major contribution to Saint Lucia Carnival by coming on board as a bronze sponsor of the month-long festivities. The season was a vibrant one, filled with music and friendly rivalry, and brought to light once again the creativity of Saint Lucians. From the pulsating steelpans to the calypso, the pageants to the costumes, it is clear that Carnival continues to be part of our cultural identity.
At a press briefing held at the beginning of the season First Citizens Regional Manager Mrs. Carole Eleuthere-Jn Marie noted the significant impact that carnival has on the economy of Saint Lucia through increased tourism and the entrepreneurial and employment opportunities.
As the curtains came down on the activities on Carnival Tuesday, First Citizens Investment Services Marketing Officer Nicole McDonald spoke about the company’s continued commitment to supporting culture.
“For years First Citizens has supported culture and more specifically carnival at various levels. We have been a long standing partner with carnival bands Red Unlimited and Looshan Revellers, and in 2013 we broadened to supporting national activities such as King and Queen of the Bands,” Ms. McDonald explained.
“We understand that in order for our culture to thrive it must be supported by the private sector and in 2014 we decided that Carnival, which brings economic benefits to Saint Lucia and encourages creative expression, needed that boost. It has been a very good carnival season and we commend the CPMA and all who participated in the various activities.”
Mr. Lyndon Arnold, Chairman of the Carnival Planning and Management Agency (CPMA), thanked First Citizens for the support for 2014.
“It is indeed a pleasure to have First Citizens onboard again this year as a sponsor of Lucian Carnival particularly at an increased level,” Arnold noted.
“As a relatively new corporate citizen, we welcome their contribution which can only add to the overall development of this, the island’s largest cultural festival and we look forward to them being a partner with the CPMA in future productions of Lucian Carnival at both the national and community levels.”
First Citizens congratulates the CPMA, the winners of the various competitions and Saint Lucia as a whole on an enjoyable carnival season.
