Hundreds Join In At Republic Bank Chaguanas Divali Celebrations

Caption: Letting the light shine through: Republic Bank’s Managing Director, David Dulal-Whiteway, assists President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Richie Sookhai, light the deyas to declare the Bank’s annual Divali celebrations open. Looking on are; Republic Bank’s Regional Sales Manager (South) Annette Wattie, second on right and partially hidden is the Bank’s Group General Counsel/Corporate Secretary, Jacqueline Quamina.

Chaguanas, Trinidad: November 1 2015: The Republic Bank Centre City Branch car park, Chaguanas, was transformed into an atmosphere of sounds, sights, colour and the taste of India, as the third annual Divali celebrations, was held before a packed audience last Saturday (October 24).

This event, which started out as an in-house staff activity funded by the staff of the Chaguanas Branch, continues to grow year after year with customer being invited to share in the celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Republic Bank’s Managing Director, David Dulal-Whiteway urged all gathered to use the celebration of Divali as a time of contemplation and reflection, while staying true to the festival of lights and the celebration of light triumphing over darkness. “I urge each of you to use this evening’s celebration as inspiration in a time when we should think about our obligations to all of our brothers and sisters,” Dulal-Whiteway said.

Dulal-Whiteway also shared words of encouragement to the young people in audience, saying, “To you- our future generation, remember that in many ways your lives and futures are the bright shining lights for this country. As you share in this occasion today, think of ways that you can spread this light in the years to come.”

Also sharing in the occasion were; President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Richie Sookhai, His Worship the Mayor of Chaguanas, Gopaul Boodhan and Mall owner, George Aboud.

Pundit Baldath Ramdhanie officiated the pooja, which was then followed by the lighting of the deyas performed by the Bank’s Managing Director, David Dulal-Whiteway. He was accompanied by Branch Sales Manager, Centre City Chaguanas, Nirmala Seetaram-Harrilal, Group General Counsel/Corporate Secretary, Jacqueline Quamina, Regional Sales Manager (South) Annette Wattie and President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Richie Sookhai.

Patrons were entertained by; Avatar the Band, Prema Shakti Dancers, Rajive Harry and Caribel Fun Lovers Tassa Group. There was also a staff fashion show which was appreciated by all.

Republic Bank continues to be proud of this event as part of the Bank’s Power to Make a Difference Programme, in its thrust to build stronger communities through culture.