Thousands of Bahamians gather down town, Nassau every year to celebrate the exciting cultural experience of Junkanoo. The Christmas and New Year parade permits Bahamians to display their creative talents through colorful costumes and massive themed structures.
For more than 20 years, CIBC FirstCaribbean has supported Junkanoo A and B groups with the objective of preserving the cultural expression while supporting community building and creativity. As Junkanoo groups continue to expand, along with their competitors, group leaders hope to receive more financial support through sponsorships and partnerships from organizations like CIBC FirstCaribbean.
For groups like Prodigal Sons, the only category A group without a sponsor, the annual CIBC FirstCaribbean donation goes “a long way."
“The money was used to help us defray our costs taking part in the parades. All of our expenses are usually paid with money we raised or directly out of our pockets,” Derrick Knowles, the Prodigal Sons Leader, said during a cheque presentation at CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Head Office.
Anthony Coakley, One Family events and public relations coordinator, said the cost of producing Junkanoo has risen and every bit of financial support they received went a long way.
"Junkanoo is one of the key components of our culture. It is something that brings the entire Bahamian community together. Persons that participated in Junkanoo groups were from all walks of life and various communities. So, those parades are a critical part of the cultural fabric of The Bahamas."
Marie Rodland-Allen, Managing Director of CIBC FirstCaribbean Bahamas and TCI said the bank remains dedicated to investing in Bahamian culture.
“We know that it’s a labour of love for Junkanooers who use their talents, time and even personal funds to make the parade enjoyable for Bahamians and visitors alike during the holiday season. We are pleased to do our part every year to ensure that Bahamian culture is on full display for us all to celebrate and enjoy.”
CIBC FirstCaribbean Retail District Manager Inger Johnson and CIBC FirstCaribbean Legal Counsel and Corporate Secretary Sherrylyn Bastian presented cheques to representatives from Genesis, One Family, Prodigal Sons, Roots, Valley Boys, Body of Christ, Colours, Conquerors for Christ, Fancy Dancers and Foundation. Not Pictured is Percy Francis from the Saxons.
Photo Credit: Serena Williams Media & Public Relations
About CIBC FirstCaribbean CIBC
FirstCaribbean is a relationship bank offering a full range of market leading financial services through our Corporate and Investment Banking, Retail and Business Banking and Wealth Management segments. We are located in seventeen (17) countries around the Caribbean, providing the banking services that fit our customers’ lives through approximately 3,000 employees in 68 branches and offices. We are one of the largest regionally listed financial services institutions in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean, with over US$12 billion in assets and market capitalization of US $2 billion. We also have an office in Hong Kong. The face of banking is changing throughout the world and CIBC FirstCaribbean intends to lead these changes with the expertise, integrity and knowledge gained from banking in the Caribbean since 1836. CIBC FirstCaribbean is a member of the CIBC Group.
CIBC is a leading Canadian-based global financial institution with 11 million personal banking and business clients. Through our three major business units - Retail and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Capital Markets - CIBC offers a full range of products and services through its comprehensive electronic banking network, branches and offices across Canada with offices in the United States and around the world.
