Zebapique Productions hosts annual Meet & Greet

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Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, January 17, 2025: Zebapique Productions Junior Carnival Band kicked off Carnival 2025 by hosting its annual Meet and Greet at its Petit Valley- based mas camp on January 11, 2025. Her Excellency Candace Bond, United States of America Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, Patron of Zebapique and wife of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, and members of the Republic Bank Executive were among guests in attendance who, together with children and volunteers, showcased their creative side making carnival costumes at the annual event.

Over the years, Zebapique Productions has enjoyed increased prominence and has amassed several accolades including, most recently winning 2nd place in the Large Band category at the 2024 National Junior Parade of the Bands. The band is also known for its socially driven mission to work with youth in disadvantaged communities in Port of Spain and environs, teaching them costume making and providing opportunities for them to partake in Carnival. Through its Power to Make A Difference programme, Republic Bank has partnered with Zebapique since 2017, supporting the band in its efforts to ensure that Carnival arts and local cultural traditions continue to be passed on to future generations.

Participating in the event as one of her last official engagements in Trinidad and Tobago, outgoing US Ambassador to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Candace Bond shared an inspiring message with the children in attendance, noting that each one of us has a responsibility to enhance the culture of one’s country and that culture should be honoured and preserved.

In giving remarks, Republic Bank’s General Manager, Group Enterprise Risk, Karen Tom Yew-Jardine highlighted that Zebapique Productions is named after the zebapique plant, a local botanical used for the healing of ailments. Consequently, she praised the carnival band for its commendable work leveraging culture to heal societal ills. Republic Bank’s President and Managing Director, Nigel Baptiste shared similar sentiments encouraging all to use culture for greater engagement that engenders a greater sense of togetherness in communities.

Mrs. Sharon Clark-Rowley, Patron of Zebapique and wife of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister accentuated that “the future of our culture lies in the hands of our children.” By nurturing and empowering them today, this ensures that they grow into passionate citizens that uphold our traditions and culture. Republic Bank continues to support youth development through culture and the arts under the Power to Make A Difference programme which aims to provide young people with the Power to Learn to keep carnival traditions alive. The band’s theme this year “Yuh Ever See” suggests that there is a deep longing and connection to experience the natural beauty of our twin island state, Trinidad and Tobago. Zebapique has always focused on social, cultural and other welfare activities geared
January 20, 2025
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