By Kimberly Giddings
A total of 200 youths across several regions of Guyana have successfully completed the Pan Minor Music Literacy Programme, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Republic Bank Limited.
The programme, which ran for two weeks, aimed at enhancing the musical skills of school children and community group members in Regions Two, Three, Four, Six, Seven, and Ten.
During the closing ceremony, Republic Bank’s General Manager of Operations, Denise Hobbs, highlighted the programme’s contribution to the cultural development of the participants.
She emphasized that many graduates of the programme have gone on to join steel bands and compete in national events like the Republic Bank Panorama Steel Pan Competition.
Hobbs noted that the growing number of steel bands reflects the programme’s success in nurturing young talent.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson, also addressed the graduates, stating that the government has significantly increased its investment in the steel pan industry.
He emphasized that the programme’s value goes beyond music, playing a vital role in shaping the participants’ lives and preparing them to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Pan Minor Music Literacy Programme was first launched in Guyana in 2010 as part of Republic Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ initiative and continues to foster the development of steel pan music and cultural appreciation among youth.