For sixth year…Republic Bank collaborating in Mash Steel Pan Competition

REPUBLIC Bank (Guyana), in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, for the sixth consecutive year, made a monetary donation towards the Bank’s Mashramani Panarama Steel Pan Competition.
The contribution covers not only the prizes for the contest but also to assist in other areas of benefit, such as donations of steel pans so as to keep alive the art form.Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony expressed his gratitude to Republic Bank for its continued support of the event.
He said, further, that because of this known contribution, the planning and improvements as well as sustainability of the art form can be ascertained.
“If we look back, over the last six years, we will see more bands participating, we now have bands from across Guyana, instead of predominately Georgetown as it was before,” the minister observed.
Head of the Ministry’s Music Development Unit, Mr. Andrew Tyndall offered his heartfelt thank you to Republic Bank for supporting the competition yet again.
16 bands
He related, at the presentation ceremony, that, in this year’s competitions, there will be 16 bands competing in two different categories, namely the large bands and school bands.
And, for this year, the seven-a-side Jazz Ensemble
with the pan duet, senior and junior pan solo.
According to Tyndall, the competition will see a change in venue, with the contest now being hosted at the National Cultural Centre. It is to facilitate, for the first time, a production of an audio production that will be available for commercial distribution.
That is slated for February 13 at 15:00 hrs.
Marketing Manager of Republic Bank (Guyana), Ms. Michelle Johnson, said: “The bank is very happy and very excited to be a part of the Republic Bank Mashramani Panarama Steel Pan Competition for the sixth year and looks forward to this year’s competition.”
She noted a growth in participation throughout the year, with more schools, churches and individuals getting involved.
The ministry is encouraging persons to come and support this event, noting that with every purchase of a ticket, you are supporting the development and continuity of this art form.