The Richard Stoute Amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens is now moving closer to completion following a major financial contribution from CIBC Caribbean.
On Wednesday, December 9, the bank made a BDS $1.2 million donation through its Comtrust Foundation to support construction of the amphitheatre and further development of the National Botanical Gardens.
The presentation took place at CIBC Caribbean’s head offices in Warrens.
During the event, the bank also marked 105 years of banking in Barbados with the presentation of a red flame glass award to Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley.
The award was presented by President and Chief Executive Officer of CIBC, Harry Culham, who was visiting Barbados for the occasion. The presentation was witnessed by outgoing President Victor Dodig and Chief Executive Officer of CIBC Caribbean, Mark St. Hill.
The BDS $1.2 million contribution was presented by St. Hill and witnessed by Culham and Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn.
Accepting the donation, Prime Minister Mottley highlighted the bank’s role in national development.
“CIBC has firmly established itself as a true example of a private sector partner that understands the importance of working together for national development. They have been a key partner in our two debt swaps, our debt-for-nature swap and our debt-for-climate swap which will assist in upgrading the South Coast sewerage treatment plant into a modern water reclamation facility.”
She added: “Today they reaffirmed their commitment to our national development with a BDS$1.2 million donation for the completion of the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre in the National Botanical Gardens.”
St. Hill reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing commitment to Barbados and the region.
“Much has happened in Barbados and in the region over the last one hundred and five years, but the fact that CIBC has continued to work and serve the people of this region is testimony to our continued commitment.”
He also noted the cultural significance of the project.
“We are also aware that Richard Stoute has been an icon in this country and the amphitheatre will not only be a tribute to him but to all the other hard-working entertainers that he has mentored over the years, and those to come who are following in their footsteps. We are pleased to be a part of its creation.” (PR)
