Basseterre, St. Kitts (December 8, 2016) — For its continued partnership with the St. Kitts Nevis National Carnival Committee, the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has been hailed for integrating itself into so many aspects of Kittitian lives and culture.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Mr Stanley Knight, made the observation Thursday (December 8) at a function held in the Development Bank’s Board Room where he received on behalf of the Minister of Culture the Hon Shawn Richards, Development Bank’s ‘Bronze Partner’ sponsorship cheque.
“This partnership is one that everyone knows has been going for so many years that it is probably difficult for us to actually put a finger as to when it started,” said Mr Knight. “It feels as if the Development Bank has always been part of us, as the Development Bank is actually integrated into so many aspects of Kittitian lives, Kittitian culture, and by their own nature have become part of who we are in St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Mr Knight who was accompanied by the Chairman of the St. Kitts Nevis National Carnival Committee, Mr Noah Mills, was introduced to Ms Vernitha Maynard the Development Bank’s Marketing Officer by Ms Jonelle Rawlins, National Carnival’s Marketing Chairperson who said they were at the Bank to concretise their long standing relationship in the Sugar Mas 45 celebrations.
The Permanent Secretary noted that while the Development Bank of St. Kitts and Nevis has been specifically highlighting their sponsorship in terms of the Queen Shows, he pointed out that he also knew that there were so many different ways which it also gave to Carnival in terms of partnering with other entities, noting that some of it was not direct sponsorship.
“We have come on board once again to sponsor the Carnival, the Sugar Mas 45 in the category of National Carnival Queen, the National Carnival Swimwear, and we are also sponsoring the Junior Calypso show this year,” said Ms Maynard. “We have been on board for many years doing this and we want continue our partnership with the National Carnival Committee.”
Ms Maynard handed the sponsorship cheque to the Permanent Secretary, Mr Knight, who in turn handed it over to the Chairman of the St. Kitts Nevis National Carnival Committee, Mr Noah Mills.
In closing, Mr Knight encouraged persons to attend the shows during this carnival season: “So at this time, once again I would like to say thank you and I would also like to encourage everyone to come out … we hope to see the Development Bank as we say, not only there in cash but also out there in kind.”