The Richard Stoute Amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens is now well on the way to completion, following a cash injection from CIBC Caribbean.

Earlier this month, the bank presented two gifts to the Government and People of Barbados, the first, a red flame glass award, to mark 105 years of banking in the country by CIBC and was presented to the Prime Minister of Barbados, Honourable Mia Amor Mottley by Harry Culham, President and Chief Executive Officer of CIBC who was visiting Barbados for the occasion. The presentation was witnessed by the outgoing President Victor Dodig, and Chief Executive Officer of CIBC Caribbean Mark St. Hill.

The other, was a contribution of BDS $1.2 million from the bank’s Comtrust Foundation, which will go towards the construction of the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre and further development of the National Botanical Gardens. This was presented by CEO Mark St. Hill and witnessed by Harry Culham and Finance Minister Ryan Straughn. 

Accepting the donation, Prime Minister Mottley stated “CIBC firmly established itself as a true example of a private sector partner that understands the importance of working together for national development. They have been a key partner in our two debt swaps, our debt-for-nature swap and our debt-for-climate swap which will assist in upgrading the South Coast sewerage treatment plant into a modern water reclamation facility.”

She added “Today they reaffirmed their commitment to our national development with a BDS$1.2 million donation for the completion of the Richard Stoute Amphitheatre in the National Botanical Gardens.”

Mark St. Hill confirmed the bank’s commitment to Barbados and the Caribbean and stated “Much has happened in Barbados and in the region over the last one hundred and five years, but the fact that CIBC has continued to work and serve the people of this region is testimony to our continued commitment. We are also aware that Richard Stoute has been an icon in this country and the amphitheatre will not only be a tribute to him but to all the other hard-working entertainers that he has mentored over the years, and those to come who are following in their footsteps.  We are pleased to be a part of its creation.”   

The presentation took place at the bank’s Head Offices in Warrens.