SCDF, Republic Bank host kick-off party, marks expanded relationship

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) kicked off the Carnival 2023 season on Friday in the parking lot of the Republic Bank in Philipsburg. Republic Bank and Scotiabank before it, has been the official banking partner of SCDF since 1993, a commitment of 30 years.

It used the opportunity this year to expand on its role in Carnival. President of the SCDF Edwardo Radjouki explained that foundation have not only enjoyed a close relationship with management, but many of the employees as well. He joked that the employee of the bank by now could organize Carnival themselves.

“This bank and its personnel have always been there for Carnival. This year more than ever they decided to really dust off their Carnival wings and fly some more,” he said. In this context he announced that Republic is the title sponsor of The King & Queen of the Band Competition and will increase their visibility and branding initiatives throughout out the festival.

As is customary the bank has also sponsored the annual Carnival schedule of events and increased the amount available to the public. Republic also sponsored the SCDF uniform shirts once again this year. “Let’s just say the public will see and hear a lot more from Republic Bank this Carnival season and we are grateful to them for being a great corporate partner of St. Maarten Carnival,” Radjouki explained.

President Radjouki and Junior Carnival Queen Arienna Dupont presented the Republic sponsored Carnival schedule and SCDF's official Carnival uniform shirt to bank representatives. Accepting on behalf of the bank were Judith Bain and Whitfield Vlaun. The rest of the evening featured entertainment by MixMaster Pauly and the 2022 Band Clash Champions Skillful Band. The event drew about 300 people.