Permanent Secretary in the??Ministry of Community Development and Culture,??Shirley Farnum (second from left), receiving the sponsorship cheque from Senior SAGICOR Advisor, Sophia Howard, while Communications Specialist, Harriete Bratwaite and National Coordinator, Curtis Gibbons look on.

The Community Independence Celebrations Secretariat (CICS) today received a $25,000 "shot in the arm" from SAGICOR Inc. to assist with its independence celebrations.

The funds will be specifically used to help the department put on its Lighting Ceremony and Bajan Brew, which comes off this Sunday, November 1, at National Heroes Square, the City.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development and Culture, Shirley Farnum, received the sponsorship cheque on behalf of CICS from Senior SAGICOR Advisor, Sophia Howard, at the Ministry’s headquarters, Warrens Office Complex.

Ms. Farnum thanked the company for its sponsorship over the years, noting that it was difficult for Government to carry out such programmes on its own in the face of rising costs.

She called for more partnerships between the public and private sectors, "where nation and community building initiatives such as the Lighting Ceremony are highlighted".

Ms. Howard said her company was pleased by the development of the independence programme over the years, adding that its goals complemented SAGICOR’s commitment to uplifting the community and building the nation.

This year’s Lighting Ceremony and Bajan Brew will feature several acts including St. Mary’s Primary School, Rhema Dancers, the Royal Barbados Police Force Band, Red Plastic Bag, Mikey, Salt, Lil Rick, Peter Ram, and Philip 7.

On the same day, the National Heroes Gallery in the West Wing of Parliament will be opened to the public between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. free of charge and a children’s zone with be set up for the younger patrons in Independence Square.

askeete@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest