St. Maarten’s 2012 carnival celebrations received a $20,000 boost from telecommunication provider TelEm Group during a presentation ceremony Tuesday.
The presentation was made to St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) president Stuart Johnson and SCDF board member Michael Granger by TelEm Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Brian Mingo and Manager Marketing and Sales, Mrs. Carmen Lake Reyes.
In accepting the sizable amount, Mr. Johnson thanked TelEm Group as the local telecommunication provider for the financial support. He said the foundation intends to utilize the donation to the fullest to make the 2012 carnival celebrations the best yet.
“We have to thank the company for its kind patriotism towards Carnival 2012 and we look forward to everyone getting on board to do their part,” said the SCDF president.
“For carnival we consider all amounts a lot because there are a number of new initiatives that we have launched and need to carry in our budget, so we are appreciative of every amount. This is a significant amount from TelEm Group and we are grateful for that,” said Mr. Johnson.
The SCDF president says the donated funds will be including in the foundation’s overall marketing and promotional plans.
“ TelEm Group’s contribution will primarily go towards marketing and promotion that we have been able to negotiate with the TelEm Group of Companies.
TelEm Group Chief Commercial officer (CCO) Mr. Brian Mingo said this year’s donation is in keeping with the company’s yearly support for St. Maarten premier tourism event.
“As good corporate citizens we have an important role to play in giving back to the community and carnival is one way to make our presence known in the community and also to celebrate with the community we serve,” said Mr. Mingo.
He said the company is approaching its participation in carnival differently this year by providing the foundation with a substantial donation to carry out its administrative and organizing functions while the company will concentrate on connecting with its customers in its own creative ways.
“We traditionally support carnival heavily in many different ways over the years and we will continue to do so to showcase what is best in our community,” said Mr. Mingo.