C&W sponsors Vincy Mas

After losing out on sponsorship participation of Vincy mas in 2003 and 2004, Cable & Wireless is back in the festival with a bang.

Cable & Wireless proudly announced last week its Platinum sponsorhip deal with the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) for Vincy Mas 2005. Cable & Wireless is now once more the official mobile phone and internet provider of the festival. {{more}}

The company had lost favour to main mobile competitor Digicel during the last two years.

The renewed relationship with the CDC means that Cable &Wireless will be streaming live Internet video and audio from the Victoria Park where most of the major shows take place. As part of the sponsorhip deal, Cable and Wireless is also providing free rental for a year, for a fixed PBX line at the CDC’s office at a cost of $3,600.

Cable &Wireless Chief Executive Daryl Jackson noted that the contribution was one of several areas of a package worth a total $70,000 in services and cash. He expressed pleasure with the agreement and pointed out that although the company was involved “noticeably” in carnival through pan and mas tents, they have a signed contract, which has designated them as Platinum Sponsors.

He emphasized that the company was not just interested in a donor relationship, but sought a relationship in Vincy Mas where the company could be “at the heart of carnival.”

Thanking the CEO for his vision to improve Vincentian culture, was Tourism and Culture Minister, Rene Baptiste who stressed that Vincy Mas must no longer be seen as just a “year event and just a festival, but as a product.”

She noted that the words “Vincy Mas” and the “Tourism emblem/logo” were protected under the Trade Mark Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Baptiste noted that another country had been trying to use the phrase “Jewels of the Caribbean” in their promotional activities and that her ministry would be taking steps to protect such matters to have it copyrighted under this country.

Minister Baptiste praised Cable & Wireless for its proactive stance to support Vincy Mas and encouraged the company to take its generosity to the rural areas, where carnival festivities need financial and other support. Head of the Tourism and Culture ministry also urged Cable & Wireless to be make a bolder step “from Platinum to Diamond” sponsors of Vincy Mas.

This year, as a result of the deal with the telecommunications provider, all Miss SVG and Miss Carival Contestants will be provided with Cable &Wireless mobile phones.