Participants in this year's 31st Biennial T&T Music Festival are the beneficiaries of Scotiabank's commitment to assisting communities and young people in becoming better citizens.
The bank, through its Scotia Foundation, has signed as the diamond sponsor of this year's production being held under the patronage of Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly, Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts.
Anya Schnoor, senior vice-president and managing director of the bank, gave the commitment at Sunday's launch of the festival, conceptualised and produced by the T&T Music Festival Association.
The venue was Queen's Hall in St Ann's, Port-of-Spain, for the gala opening which featured performances by past festival winners, as well as the National Philharmonic Orchestra.
"We will continue to do our part in the development of our country, investing in the areas of education, sports, culture, health and the environment. At Scotiabank, we are deeply committed to supporting initiatives that focus on the development of our country's youth.
"The Music Festival is one such initiative. In the past, we were the gold sponsor of the biennial National Music Festival and I must say we were very pleased when the association approached us with the idea to host the festival this year," said Schnoor.
She added, "This event celebrates the talent of our young people and provides the right stimulus for them to maintain their involvement in the local arts and culture.
"The event helps provide young people with opportunities that allow them to realise their potential and work towards success in everything they set out to accomplish, ensuring that they become better off as well-rounded individuals who contribute meaningfully to their communities and society."