First Citizens Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to culture in Barbados, and specifically the Crop Over Festival, by pledging $70 000 to support the National Cultural Foundation’s (NCF) hosting of the highly anticipated return of Fusions.
The musical event will take place at Illaro Court on July 13, following a four-year hiatus that was mainly due to the onset of COVID-19.
The announcement was made during a media launch at the bank’s Welches branch on Thursday, where it was announced that the $70 000 contribution will bolster the planning and execution of the First Citizens Fusions, a hallmark event of the annual festival.
The event will feature performances by the Festival Band and the Anniversary Band, promising a blend of traditional and contemporary Barbadian musical talent.
NCF’s chief executive officer Carol Roberts expressed gratitude for First Citizens’ longstanding support, noting that the financial institution secured its spot as title sponsor as early as last year.
“For the first time in a long time, we did not go to the sponsor… the sponsor came to us and asked, ‘why aren’t you doing Fusions?’ So from last year, we were confident of the support of First Citizens,” she said.
Roberts spoke with excitement as she underscored the expectations of the event’s return.
“Fusions is just that. It’s that exceptional combination of the songs that we know, reinterpreted, reimagined and transformed into musical experiences that we are sure to love,” she said.
Head of Retail and Commercial Banking at First Citizens, Ashroy Forde highlighted the significance of the partnership with NCF as the island celebrates 50 years of Crop Over.
“I take this opportunity to extend congratulations to the team at the NCF for their outstanding work over the years and their adaptability and creativity as the time continues to evolve,” he said.
The bank’s CEO, Claire Jordan echoed those sentiments, emphasising the importance of cultural events in enriching community life.
“It is our belief that festivals such as Crop Over enhance the very fabric of our communities, and, by extension, the lives of our Bajan people.
“This, the sweetest summer festival, plays a pivotal role in nation building, bringing people from all sectors of society together as one community. It provides opportunities for participation in art, music, and culture…. It creates income earning opportunities for entrepreneurs, and facilitates an environment of social cohesion where locals and tourists can experience the uniqueness and warmth of our culture,” Jordan noted.
