AFTER some years of hosting the National Schools Steelband presentation, the Ministry of Education was on Sunday able, through its Unit of Allied Arts, to offer the public a scintillating display of pan talent at the Botanical Gardens.According to chairperson La Vonne George, the activity is a special one for the ministry, and is introduced as an annual feature of the Education Month programme.

She said: “It was designed to create a common platform for exhibiting the skills of students in the steelpan art form (and) endeavours to promote an atmosphere of friendship, love, peace and tolerance among all Guyanese.”
With students decked in gold and black, the ten schools which participated included Dolphin Secondary, North Georgetown Primary, St. Rose’s High, Lodge Secondary, President’s College, The Bishops’ High, West Demerara Secondary, Pan Wave, Buxton Secondary and North Ruimveldt Secondary.
George acknowledged the participation of President’s College, whose entry was hampered over the years by a fire which destroyed the pans at the school sometime back. She said the school’s pans were only replaced a few months ago but their skills were built up to standard in a relatively short time, showing their dedication.
A large crowd, including some popular personalities, gathered in and around the benab structure in front of the celebrated Kissing Bridge and were absorbed by the soothing sounds of pan, applauding in appreciation and reinforcing each other’s approval.
Minister of Education Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine and officials from his ministry were notable supporters of the show.

“We have grown from when we started, from one band, two bands, to ten,” Administrator of the Unit of Allied Arts Desiree Wyles-Ogle commented.
She told Guyana Chronicle that the ministry is hoping that within the next five years steel-band music will be part of the curriculum in schools across the country, preserving the art that is native to the Caribbean.
However, she said schools must have the facilities to accommodate the pans and a motivating Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) which could push for the implementation of such a programme in their respective schools. She named the PTA of Buxton Secondary as a leader in pushing for the art form in their school, as parents and the community were responsible for providing the pans and approaching the ministry.
Meanwhile, the afternoon’s musicians were also upbeat on the opportunity to showcase their pan talent and skills and as The Bishops’ High girl Candace Holder stated, “It is relaxing.”
“I am happy for the exposure. It is relaxing and you get to come together with different bands, so I’m thankful for this opportunity,” she told this publication.
Holder, who has been participating in this event three years now, commended the education ministry for organising the colourful event, and pointed out that it attracts many to the art form, striking a remarkable balance in the curriculum.
“It’s really great; each year people join the band just to be a part of this… We need something to balance,” Holder stated.

Bridgette Nelson, Wanda, Ruth Jaundoo, Ivan Chapman and Donna Chapman were honoured with bouquets and other tokens for their sterling contributions to the department’s work over the years.

By Shauna Jemmott