The National Bank of Dominica (NBD) has contributed $250,000 in cash and kind towards the staging of the 2024 World Creole Music Festival (WCMF).
This was according to Manager-Human Resource & Talent Management at the National Bank of Dominica (NBD), Kareem Bertrand, who was addressing a press conference on Thursday.
“It is an honour for NBD to once again be chosen as the premier bank sponsor of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF),” he said. “Our contribution of two hundred and fifty thousand dollars which is a quarter million if you are doing your mental maths, in cash and kind, reflects our contributions and ongoing commitment to supporting not just this iconic festival, but also the vibrant cultural traditions that define who we are as a people.”
According to him, NBD is not only highlighted as the premier sponsor of the WCMF, but also as the premier supplier of banking services to the festival.
“Our portable point-of-sale machines available for use during the festival will make transactions quick and smooth for both vendors and customers, ensuring an even better festival experience for everyone,” Bertrand stated. “This will benefit not just the vendors, but also the customers who can enjoy faster service within the convenience of cashless payments.”
Furthermore, he stated that NBD is proud to sponsor the WCMF for the third consecutive year, “and we look forward to continuing this valued partnership in the years to come.”
Bertrand went on to state that NBD continues to play its part as a corporate citizen, not only through the sponsorship of the WCMF, but also the Dominica Association of Persons with Disabilities and the Dominica Cancer Society, NBD Ministry of Sports Primary Schools Football championship, NBD Ministry of Education Math Power Contest.
These initiatives, he stated, “are also our contributions to the private sector foundation for health.”
Bertrand encourages everyone to take part in the Creole festivities whether through music, food, or dance.
“These activities allow us to celebrate the rich heritage that makes Dominica so special,” he noted. “Let’s embrace the spirit of Creole and immerse ourselves in all that this festival has to offer.”
My wife and I visited the National bank last week to inquire about our dividends. We were told that the bank has made no profit therefore the bank is unable to give dividends to shareholders at this time. However, the bank is able to give world creole festival $250,000.
This festival should be able to sustain itself. This cannot be right.
when them done. they going say bank not making money. they need to put on banking fee and jack up this fee and that fee.
set a wicked people. skerrit say govt nice. country not bad. why he can’t foot the full bill. ?
A clear and honest indication that the Government doesnt have money. So now, if i am a major sponsor of this event, whats in it for me? Then again NBD is just another government bank. Just like DASPA. Anybody heard the story about how they wanted DASPA to pay government salaries a month maybe 2 ago. Anyway thats a different story. So i guess being able to now use your credit card FINALLLY in 2024 is a welcomed plus at the event. I know normally merchants have to pay for the use of the equipment, im hoping this is a free service offered. Also why not install an ATM in a safe well lit and guarded area at the event. Anyway next year is DOMLEC and DOWASCO turn to fork over the big bucks to pay for it. Government dont have money. I hope they finish pay those police and vendors for last year and previous years. I hear not even amnesia able to have carnival band next carnival. They dont have money.
How about not giving a quarter of a million dollars to a party and removing ATM and debit card charges instead? I think that would benefit more Dominicans, given you’re feeling so community-minded.