The project to restore the Theatre Guild received a boost on Thursday when Scotiabank Guyana donated $500,000 to the rebuilding of the Playhouse at Kingston, formerly the centre of drama and the arts in Guyana.

Bruce Deoraj, Senior Manager Business Support at Scotiabank handed over the cheque to Cathy Hughes, a member of the Trustees of the Theatre Guild. He noted Scotiabank’s commitment to the development of communities in which the Bank operates and said that the Theatre Guild holds fond memories for many and left a legacy in its contribution to the performing arts. “Scotiabank has been a part of the Caribbean for over a century and we take pride in fostering initiatives that play an important role in the future development of the region,” Deoraj said.

Hughes thanked the Bank for “their most generous donation, continued support and assistance to the development of Drama in Guyana.”

Four years ago, a group of concerned citizens got together to determine a way forward for the Theatre Guild. An Interim Management Committee was formed and later a Board of Trustees, setting themselves the task of renovating and expanding the Theatre Guild. This included lifting sections of the building to prevent flooding, creating a balcony to provide additional seating capacity, and fully equipping the theatre with new sound and lighting equipment. The Trustees have raised over $35 million but need a further $12 million to complete the project.

In a release Scotiabank said that it had been part of the Caribbean and Central America since 1889 and is now the leading bank in the region, with operations in 25 countries. The bank has some 11,240 employees in the region, serving more than two million customers, with about 370 branches and about 840 automated banking machines.