POND ISLAND:--- TelEm Group has ended this year's 45th anniversary of carnival on high note as one of the event's main sponsors having made many new friends in the St. Maarten community.
According to TelEm Group Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mr. Brian Mingo, the company's association with carnival has been consistent over the years, however a decision was taken to step up a gear this year to mark the special anniversary celebrations and also in step with the company's ongoing campaign to interact more with the community it serves.
"In sponsoring carnival this year, we demonstrated our commitment to being an important part of St. Maarten's cultural heritage in all its facets, putting our premier touristic event in a positive light," said Mr. Mingo.
"For the past two years we have been promoting pre-carnival events in our "Road to Carnival" campaigns, which have been well received by the public who can now put a face to some of the people who work in and provide their telecommunication services," said Mr. Mingo.
"This kind of interaction with TelEm Group customers helps the company determine what the public wants, what they are missing from the company and also shows that TelEm has a caring and sharing side.
He said the company will soon be launching other community projects that are innovative and creative and will benefit entire neighbourhoods, because TeEm Group believes it has an important role to play in the community.
"The possibilities are endless, and once again it shows our commitment to our customers and to Country St. Maarten," said Mr. Mingo.
TelEm Group Chief Financial officer (CFO) Mrs. Helma Etnel is also delighted with the company's decision this year to be the main sponsor of carnival, especially since it was the 45th anniversary of the event. It is also in keeping with the company's philosophy of playing a role whenever it can, in the cultural and social heritage of Country St. Maarten.
"Outside of carnival we have been involved in many community-oriented programs and projects in recent years including reading to school children, promoting youth talent with shows such as the Breakthrough Talent Search, encouraging our young adults to focus of their education and careers by promoting positive messages in schools and at sports complexes and sponsoring of sports events generally, the hosting of family events such as the Family Fun Day, etc," said Mrs. Etnel.
On behalf of management and staff of TelEm Group she took the opportunity to thank the members of the public and media practitioners who have had positive things to say about the company's involvement in carnival this year and to the many volunteers and supporters who attended the various shows and events organized by TelEm Group's Carnival Core team, especially the Night of the Hit Makers event and several of the pageants held this year.
"I wish to thank all the members of the team and the co-ordinator, Cheryl Rismay for doing a terrific job and for making many new friends in the St. Maarten community. This year our participation in the Jouvert and the Grand Parade was a great success and we were well received by revelers and members of the public alike.
"We have a lot more planned and our loyal and valued customers will be the ones who ultimately benefit," said Mrs. Etnel.
TELEM Press Release