Bank renews sponsorship of junior competition, pleased to help youth realise full potential

By Brittany Brewster

The 2023 Scotiabank Junior Monarch promises to be an amazing display of vocal and performance skills as the 25 soca and calypso semi-finalists chose what order they would present their material to judges in the upcoming competition.

On Wednesday, the young performers ranging from ages nine to 18 pulled their numbers during a media launch at the Scotiabank car park, Warrens, St. Michael.

During the launch, Retail and Small Business Lead at Scotiabank Barbados Carla Boyce handed over a $74 000 sponsorship cheque to the Chief Cultural Officer of the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) Andrea Wells. The money represents the bank’s support of the NCF’s commitment to investing in young people.

Boyce, who said the bank was pleased to be able to sponsor the competition for over 20 years, also noted that helping young people reach their full potential remains a key area of investment for Scotiabank.

She said investment in young people from early on will not only provide them with opportunities to discover their talents but will also provide long-term prosperity for Barbados.

“With the right support, our young people can unlock sustained success. This has a ripple effect on their families, communities and the country as a whole. When the young people of Barbados succeed, we as a nation succeed.

“This programme holds such a special place in our hearts, not only as it provides our young people with the opportunity to realise their full potential, but also because it helps keep our rich culture alive. That’s why it’s important that we invest in them now and provide them with opportunities to discover their talents. This was the catalyst for our collaboration with the NCF on this initiative,” said Boyce.

The banker also applauded the NCF for its commitment to stimulating and facilitating the development of the rich culture of Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

The bank representative said, “All participants go on to even greater things because of their participation. They receive guidance and really sharpen their craft, understanding the intricacies of calypso, soca, their roots and legacy.”

Wells expressed gratitude to Scotiabank for its continued sponsorship, and also thanked the parents, teachers and mentors for ensuring those interested in arts received the support they needed to take the journey through the Scotiabank Junior Monarch Competition.

She also congratulated all participants and encouraged them to seethe importance of singing calypso and soca and its deep roots in history and our cultural landscape.

“It is extremely important to us, at the NCF, that expressions of our culture through the arts, in this instance through calypso, are refined, facilitated and showcased. Any activity that highlights the best forms of Barbadian culture must be embraced and upheld by the National Cultural Foundation, the guardians of Bajan heritage,” she said.

The 2022 Scotiabank Junior Calypso Monarch Yahandje Daniel encouraged the contestants to power through the lows of their journey while learning as much as they can through the process.

“Don’t be discouraged by the low points in this journey, use them as motivation and teaching tools to better yourself. Learn as much as you can from the mentorship process, work on your stagecraft, mold yourself into the best artistic version of you and always give of your best,” Daniel said.

Contestants are expected to compete in two tents on Sunday, June 18 and Sunday, June 25 at the Steel Shed, Queen’s Park. The semifinals will be held on Sunday, July 2 at the same location.

brittanybrewster@barbadostoday.bb