L-R Chairman of the Carnival Development Committee Kyode O’Marde accepting the cheque from Country Manager of the Bank of Nova Scotia Marlon Rawlins. (Photo Courtesy Theresa Gordon OBSERVER Media).

ST JOHN’S, Antigua – The Bank of Nova Scotia signed on the dotted line on Friday marking a $50,000 injection into the 2012 Carnival celebrations branded as “Antigua’s Carnival – the Caribbean’s Greatest Festival.”

The money will be used to fund the Scotiabank’s Opening Day Parade slated for July 28, 2012, under the theme “Show Your Colours.”

The bank is the first sponsor to re-pledge its support for the annual summer festival and country manager Marlon Rawlins said it is indicative of the company’s support for carnival and culture.

Rawlins, who was speaking at a press briefing, explained that the bank has continued to find new and innovative ways to deepen the relationship with the Carnival Development Committee (CDC).

“At Scotiabank our corporate goal of being the best at helping our customers become better financially has always been associated with a deep sense of social responsibility. We truly take these social responsibilities seriously. We continue to provide sponsorship for a number of projects and initiatives in areas of health care and education, sports and culture. It is therefore no surprise that Scotiabank is a sponsor of the 2012 Carnival,” Rawlins said.

Chairperson for the Opening Day Parade Committee Samoya Kirby, who was also present at the gathering, said her team of professionals has put together a programme that will appease the appetites of all ages.

The committee chairperson also encouraged the local business community to use Scotiabank as a model and invest in Carnival 2012.

The Opening Day Parade will move off from the House of Culture on Parliament Drive promptly at noon.

(More in today’s Daily OBSERVER)