On 6 June 2024, in a most festive atmosphere in the Bank’s Boardroom the announcement of the platinum sponsorship of the 2024 Miss Anguilla Pageant was afoot.
This momentous occasion was broadcast live on In Anguilla and in the presence of the Minister of Social Development, Sports and Culture, Ms. Dee-Ann Kentish-Rogers, Chairman of the Carnival Committee, Mr Ivan Connor, and the Chairman of the Queens Committee, Ms. Lisa Rey and the Reigning Miss Anguilla, Ms. Jackeedah Bryan. Also in attendance was the media represented by Radio Anguilla, other members of the Carnival Committee and the Queen Contestants. The Bank was represented by Karen Hodge, Executive Assistant – CEO & Corporate Officer and Ms. Marisa Gumbs, Executive Manager Banking Services, who also held the titles of Miss Anguilla 1990 and 1998 respectively.
In the discussion preceding the announcement of the sponsorship, the Chairman of Carnival Committee highlighted NCBA’s commitment to the development of the culture and the Anguillian Community in general. Ms. Karen Hodge commented on the legacy institutions’ NBA and CCB’s involvement in pageantry over the years with NBA sponsoring Miss Anguilla Pageant contestants from 1990 to 2008 and capturing 10 crowns as followings:
1990 | Ms. Karen Hodge | 1997 | Ms. Karen Ross |
1991 | Ms. Lenore Smith | 1998 | Ms. Marisa Gumbs |
1993 | Ms. Kathleen Webster | 1999 | Ms. Kimdra Smith (RIP) |
1995 | Ms. Susan Webster | 2001 | Ms. Tonya Brooks |
1996 | Ms. Anna Richardson | 2006 | Ms. Amber Woodley |
On the other hand, Ms. Hodge shared that CCB would have been the platinum sponsor of the Miss Talented Teen from 1995 to 2012. This sponsorship would have taken the show from its humble beginnings and transformed it into a high standard, competitive and entertaining pageant.
Ms. Hodge explained that the legacy in pageantry continues with NCBA given the nature of this sponsorship, which aligns with the Bank’s mission to assist in the socio-economic development of Anguilla. As a good corporate citizen, NCBA is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the pageant, thereby celebrating and preserving our island’s cultural heritage. Ms. Hodge reported apart from various developmental sessions planned by the Queens Committee, for the first time in the history of the pageant, the Bank will host financial literacy sessions for the contestants, ensuring that the pageant is just not viewed as beauty contest but also caters to the holistic development of the contestants. Ms. Hodge encouraged contestants to avail themselves of every opportunity provided by pageant, have fun, and to use the experience as a stepping stone to achieve greater things in life.
Ms. Marisa Gumbs spoke about ambassadorial opportunities that will be in place locally and internationally for the winner of this year’s pageant. She also spoke of NCBA’s presence throughout the festival and specifically the pageant. Ms. Gumbs spoke about the Bank’s current promotions including the Wealth Retirement Advantage Plan, and Triple Festival Treat which affords customers updating their information with the Bank three opportunities to win a total of US$4,000, with US$2,000 to be won during the Carnival week.
Ms. Rey introduced the 2024 Contestants and outlined what the pageant has in store for Carnival 50. Minister Kentish-Rogers commented on importance of culture and pageantry and how the forging of partnerships with corporate entities was important in the staging of the Anguilla Summer Festival.
The announcement ended with the presentation of a Novelty Cheque for EC$135,000 written to the Carnival Committee.