Georgetown GINA, February 17, 2013
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of the President and Minister of Culture Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony were among music lovers enjoying the delightful sounds of the Republic Bank Mashramani Pan-o-rama Steel Band competition which was staged this evening at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
This event, which is in its fifth year, is fully sponsored by Republic Bank, and forms part of the bank’s “power to make a difference” initiative. It also forms part of the 43rd Republic anniversary activities which is being held under the theme “reflecting creativity celebrating diversity.
The competition which saw bands competing in categories such a; Senior Solo, Junior Solo, Pan Duet, School band, Church Band and Large Band featured a preliminary competition held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on February 15 as part of the Children’s Mashramani competition.
Before the competition got underway, Minister Anthony in addressing the crowed expressed Government’s gratitude to Republic Bank for its ongoing support in fostering and promoting the art form.
Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Steel Orchestra during their performance in the Large Band category
He said that the competition has seen more persons getting involved in the art form, which forms an important part of Guyana’s cultural heritage. It has also lifted the quality of the music and the skills of those involved, he said.
Minister Anthony said that the workshop has been the springboard for a number of initiatives by the ministry itself to support the art form.
The ministry has been working in schools providing steel bands and music teachers for training of students with both the skills and passion for the style of music. This initiative has overtime seen more schools participating in the competition.
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Replies
This is cool. I certainly wish we could have more reports on pan activities in Guyana like this and during the year.