Bridgetown came to life with sweet sounds of steelpan music on Friday during the official launch of the Republic Bank-sponsored Pandemonium and Pan Yard Lime at Golden Square Freedom Park. Carlene Seudat, managing director and CEO of Republic Bank (Barbados) Ltd., shared the bank’s enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its dedication to preserving culture and fostering community growth through the arts.
She noted, “At Republic Bank, we really truly believe in the power of culture, not only as a source of national pride, but as a vibrant force for community building, education, and economic opportunity. That is why we are proud once again to sponsor and partner with the National Cultural Foundation as the title sponsor for these beloved Crop Over pan events.”
The director added, “These events are and have become, as we all know, more than just shows. They create platforms that not only bring young talent to the stage…[they] keep traditions alive and create shared experiences that strengthen community ties. Last year, we saw how significant these events have become to the cultural landscape, engaging family-friendly experiences that attract thousands of people.” She announced that the bank had also increased sponsorship contribution of $176 000 for this year’s festivities.