Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, the Hon. Charles Griffith (left) accepts the sponsorship cheque from Vice President, Barbados Sales, Sagicor Life Inc., Gay Griffith (right).

Government is pleased to have Sagicor Life Inc. on board as the sponsor for the 27th consecutive year of the annual Lighting Ceremony.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith, expressed gratitude for the company’s continued support as he received the sponsor’s cheque of $25,000 from Vice President, Barbados Sales, Sagicor Life Inc., Gay Griffith, today at the Ministry’s headquarters, Haggatt Hall, St. Michael.

Minister Griffith said: “This is indeed a pleasure for me … to receive the donations in relation to our Independence celebrations. I know Sagicor has been on board for more than two decades and we are very, very pleased to have them again partner with us, in terms of this".

He also thanked the other corporate sponsors, including CIBC First Caribbean, A&R Electrical, NSR Ltd., Massy Barbados, and Deanna Dash Toy Store. “We can only hope that it goes from strength to strength and that we continue to light the nation,” the Minister added.

Vice President Griffith said Sagicor was proud to be sponsoring the event. “Our continued commitment to the Lighting Ceremony reflects our unwavering belief and confidence in this island’s future, and our understanding and acceptance of our role as a corporate citizen,” he stated.

The Lighting Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, November 1, at 5:30 p.m. in Independence Square, The City, where the switch will be flicked by Ashton Hoyte, who is blind.

In addition to the roundabouts being lit across the island, the new partners have extended the lighting programme to include the Marina Brewster Centre at Farrs, St. Peter, and the Nightingale’s Children’s Village, Black Rock, St. Michael. Donations were also made to the Child Care Board.