Republic Bank donates $2.8M for steel pan contest

Republic Bank Limited on Thursday presented a cheque valued $2,825,000 to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport to be used to support bands participating in the 2012 National Panorama Competition on Sunday.

Minister of Culture Dr Frank Anthony said the Bank has been a faithful partner in helping to resuscitate pan music in Guyana, while noting that it was the fourth consecutive year that it had made a contribution. Anthony was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA0 that the Bank’s support has enabled the ministry to develop the art form over the years and that continued assistance is anticipated.

“All the preparations are in place. We are going to see many more school bands taking part in the competition,” Anthony said. The minister then urged the public to support the event as proceeds will be used to purchase more steel pans.

“Last year we used the proceeds from the Panorama activity and other Mashramani activities to purchase two steel bands, which were donated to the Tiger Bay community and Bartica,” he explained. Public support will help to contribute to further revitalise this art form, he noted.

Branch Support Service Manager of Republic Bank Limited Celine Davis said that the Bank was again pleased to be a part of the Republic celebrations.

“Republic Bank as always is pleased to be part of this resurgence of this art form… so we very pleased to sponsor this event,” she said.

Panorama will be held at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall tomorrow. The competition will begin at 3pm.