Telecommunications provider and NCF team up to present a spectacular display of Barbadian culture on Saturday

Digicel Barbados on Monday declared its support for this year’s Crop Over Festival.

It is partnering with the National Cultural Foundation (NCF) for the first time to produce the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes and Vintage Tent, which will be held Saturday July 1 at Hayman’s Sugar Factory in St Peter. 

During the launch of the event held at the company’s Warrens, St Michael headquarters on Monday, chief executive officer Natalie Abrahams said this was an opportunity for Digicel to connect with thousands of Barbadians and join them in celebrating the island’s rich history and culture.

“The Crop Over Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes is a symbol of new beginnings and excitement. It heralds the commencement of a festival that unites us in our love for Barbados, our heritage, and our shared experiences. By aligning ourselves with this remarkable event, Digicel is allowed to showcase our dedication to the spirit of love, togetherness and connections that Crop Over represents. We recognise the importance of standing alongside our customers, fellow businesses, and community leaders, united in the celebration of our unique cultural identity.

Chief Cultural Officer at the NCF Andrea Wells.

“Through our support of the Crop Over Festival, Digicel endeavours to promote the values that define Crop Over- love, inclusivity, creativity, connection and community spirit. This festival offers a platform for local artisans, musicians, and performers to share their exceptional talents, contributing to the cultural vibrancy and economic growth of Barbados. We believe in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of our people, and supporting national festivals like Crop Over allows us to empower local talent, providing them with opportunities to shine on a global stage,” she said. “Furthermore, supporting national festivals is not just an act of corporate social responsibility; it is a testament to our gratitude for the unwavering support we receive from our community. The love and loyalty our customers show us every day inspire us to give back, to uplift, and to celebrate together. By actively participating in events like the Ceremonial Delivery of the Last Canes, we strengthen our bond with the people who have embraced us as an essential part of their lives and the people who have supported us for the past 19 years of our business. We stand side by side with them, not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner in their journey.”

CEO of Digicel Barbados Natalie Abrahams.

Abrahams also announced that Digicel will be giving away Samsung mobile phones to four exceptional workers in the sugar industry and the winner of this year’s Scotiabank Junior Monarch competition will receive a Samsung tablet.

Chief Cultural Officer at the NCF Andrea Wells promised that Saturday’s event will be an “exciting mix of colour, drama, music, culinary fare, craft, culture and homage”. 

Dancin’ Africa performers entertained the audience.

Thanking the Digicel team she said: “We are heartened and grateful for Digicel’s invaluable support. It is an exciting time as we partner with Digicel to produce this event which signals the official start of the Festival. Digicel’s commitment to the NCF is a combination of money, devices and in kind. However, I must mention that Digicel’s support for the Crop Over Festival also includes a number of private events as well.

“To the team at Digicel Barbados, we at the NCF say ‘Thank you’. Thank you for your investment. We thank you for seeing value in preserving our cultural heritage; we thank you for appreciating that the arts play a key role in our society”. 

Wells added that there will be various activities at the event including arts and craft workshops, a cultural parade, weaving demonstrations, a play area for children and performances by the Tuk Band, the Barbados Police Service Band and more. (SZB)