South East Steel Orchestra changes name

Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra has a new name. It is the Winfresh-Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra. The new name reflects an agreement with Winfresh to become the major sponsor of the band, commencing this year. Winfresh is regional company with headquarters in St Lucia, with its subsidiary known as Vincyfresh operating in St Vincent and the Grenadines.{{more}}

Previously, the Bank of Nova Scotia was the sole sponsor of the band. Through its parent body, the South East Development Incorporated (SEDI), the SESO has enjoyed a productive and rewarding partnership with the Bank of Nova Scotia. The management committee has set new goals for the band. These new goals along with current and emerging challenges require SESO to seek additional financing to augment the contribution from the Scotia Bank and its own fund-raising efforts. It is in this respect that the management of SESO approached Winfresh, and Winfresh agreed to become the primary sponsor for the band.

Commenting on the new sponsorship chief executive officer Bernard Cornibert of Winfresh said, “Winfresh is very pleased and excited to be associated with a group of seemingly organized, committed and dedicated young people from a rural community.” He stated that at a time when Winfresh is in the process of rebranding and moving into an expanded area of food production through its subsidiary, Vincyfresh here in St Vincent and the Grenadines, the company is happy to be associated with an entity that will help to promote and popularize its brand.

For its part, the management of band admits its very warm and rewarding relationship with the Bank of Nova Scotia and expects it to continue into the future. The management anticipates a long and rewarding association with the Winfresh Group. This latest sponsorship will last until 2017, subject to renewal thereafter.

SESO performs outstanding roles at numerous community and nation building exercises. Recently, the band performed in Fancy at the Comfort rally for residents whose loved ones suffered in the Rock Gutter tragedy on January 12, 2015. The band also performed on the occasion of the visit of the President of Taiwan and the opening of the Colonarie bridge in August, 2013. Starting in 2012, SESO has produced successfully its annual “Hearts of Steel” steel pan concert.

Parent body, the South East Development Inc is more than a simple community group. SEDI works to preserve the cultural heritage of the communities, which it serves, and has provided the young people of these communities with a positive alternative to deviant behaviour. SEDI has the challenge of keeping the steel orchestra involved, to highlight the benefits of membership and to show the improvements to the area from participation in the steel pan programme.

SESO was started in 2008 as a product of the government’s Pan Against Crime programme. SESO’s steel pan programme is offered to young people as an alternative to crime and violence. Today the orchestra boasts of over 100 members, of which the majority are between the ages of 12 and 25 years old. SESO is growing in national prominence and popularity, having placed fifth in National Panorama competition in 2012, 3rd in 2013 and 2nd in 2014. The Winfresh-Scotia Bank South East Steel Orchestra intends to place no lower in the 2015 National Panorama competition.