BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TELECOMMUNICATIONS giant LIME has pumped another significant amount of resources into National Carnival 2009-2010 – this time, to keep the flames of the Inferno Carnival troupe burning hotter than ever.
In a brief handing-over ceremony held yesterday (Dec. 18) at the company’s flagship store, LIME officials presented a cheque and carnival paraphernalia to representatives of the popular troupe, Inferno. The donation totals over EC $15 000 and is expected to assist the carnival group as it encourages persons to join in on the festivities.
The telecoms provider has sponsored the Senior Calypso Monarch and the Grand Master’s calypso tent, and according to Corporate Communications Manager Laverne Caines these donations are a “testimony of LIME’s commitment to culture”.
Caines said that LIME was approached for sponsorship in the latter part of this year and was excited to “jump on the opportunity” to assist what Caines called “a fine, ready-made product”.
“Inferno is very organized. In fact, they have been registered as a company and that shows how serious they are in terms of making a business out of this carnival troupe. We really like the model and we have jumped onboard.
“With our track record, we have recognized that we have to make our presence felt in the countries where we operate, and so the sponsorship of carnival is not singular to St. Kitts and Nevis. We see culture and the preservation of culture as key to our input in the social infrastructure of Caribbean communities,” she said.
For now, according to the LIME official, the business arrangement is “very informal” but she has high hopes that the company would be able to solidify the relationship with a commitment for two to three years in the medium term.
Directors of the troupe, which still holds the title of ‘Best Parade Troupe’, offered hearty expressions of gratitude, stating that the contribution will give a direct boost to the quality of the experience this Christmas. Ellena Skerritt, one of the group’s five directors, welcomed the donation, calling it a move in the “right direction”.
“We are very grateful to LIME for their sponsorship. We know it has been a tough year globally and for LIME to come onboard to be part of our National Carnival is really a step in the right direction in promoting our local culture,” Skerritt said in a brief interview with SKNVibes following yesterday’s ceremony.
The Inferno director urged other private sector companies to make a bold move and donate to the preservation of culture. RAM’s, O. D. Brisbane and Sons and Caribbean Lottery were also showered with thanks for their continued support for the carnival group.
In this year’s Parade Day, Inferno will be presenting ‘Viva Las Vegas’ – a colourful blend of depictions from one of the U.S.’ greatest entertainment and gambling hotspots. This year, the themes are based on Moulin Rouge, Oasis, and Show Girls.
“One of the things we pride ourselves on is our ultimate carnival experience and that is key. So, for us, you do not pay just for the costume; you pay for the experience, the vibes,” Director Sharon Rattan said.
Further information about Inferno, can be obtained by visiting http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=192249082135# .
