Carnival sponsors roll out the cheques

Some of the major sponsors of Vincy Mas 2007 took the opportunity on Tuesday’s Carnival Development Corporation (CDC)’s press conference, to make further contributions to Carnival here in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The CDC came in for high praises by the sponsors, who commended them for an outstanding launching, which took place two weeks ago, at the Chamber of Commerce Car Park.{{more}}

The National Lotteries Authority (NLA), which is considered the biggest financial contributor to carnival here, presented a cheque of EC $500,000 to the organizers.

General Manager of the NLA McGregor Sealy, joked that he was hoping to have his institution upgraded beyond platinum sponsorship considering the magnitude of sponsorship given to carnival.

Also presenting a cheque was Lydia Courtney-Francis on behalf of Cable and Wireless, which will be making a contribution of $79,700 in cash and services.

Part of Cable and Wireless’ contribution will go towards the CDC’s telecommunications cost for an entire year.

Long time sponsor the National Commercial Bank (NCB) presented a cheque for $10,000 on Tuesday. In her speech, Cheryl Rodriguez of the NCB called on persons to transmit the knowledge of our culture to future generations.

Manager of St. Hill Insurance Cecil ‘Cess’ McKie presented a cheque valued $5000, which will go mainly towards the funding of J’Ouvert celebrations.

Other sponsors at the press conference were the Mustique Company and Aquatic Club, both of whom are sponsoring contestants in the Miss SVG beauty pageant.

All sponsors in their speeches appealed to the public for a safe and crime free carnival, and congratulated the CDC for the work done so far this year.

The official Carnival calendar will run from June 29th to July 10th, this is preempted by tomorrow’s Super Jamz fete, and the Miss SVG pageant on June 2nd.(JJ)