FANS had a real treat to four and a half hours of truly excellent steelpan music when they attended the Mashramani Steelband Competition Pan–O-Rama, at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, on Homestretch Avenue in Georgetown, last Sunday evening. The performances, judged in six categories, climaxed the night, when the experienced Guyana Police Force Steel Orchestra arrested the first prize in the large band category.
The other winners were North Ruimveldt Multilateral School among school bands; St. Andrews Kirk amidst Church bands; senior soloist Ray Sparman, junior soloist Delroy Dey and duet Clayton Daniels and Ray Sparman.
Among those present were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony; Permanent Secretary in that Ministry, Mr. Alfred King and other Government officials; Managing Director of Republic Bank, Mr. John Alves, branch managers and other members of staff.
The judging panel was led by Director of Music, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Major Robert Burns and included Mrs. Andrea Mentore, Mrs. Donette Greaves, Mr. Clyde Peres and Dr. Hilary Browne.
Republic Bank representative, Ms. Denise Hobbs in her remarks indicated that this was the fifth consecutive year of their sponsorship, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Remains committed
She said her institution remains committed to serving communities, particularly in providing avenues for empowering the nation’s youths.
Noting that the Bank took pleasure in the revival of steelpan music with its ‘Power to Make a Difference’ social investment initiative, she said they are very pleased to witness another evening of such musical entertainment.
In 2012, some 150 youths countrywide benefitted from the ‘Republic RightStart Pan Minor Music Library Programme’, the purpose of which was not only to generate greater interest in the art form, but foster the standard that was demonstrated Sunday evening and which would be reflecting this year’s Mashramani theme ‘Reflecting creativity, Embracing Diversity.’
Steelpan music is known to be infectious and there will, no doubt, be heightened interest after the contestants perform, Hobbs posited.
Minister Anthony thanked the Bank for working with his ministry, from strength to strength, to ensure the quality of steelband music is being lifted in Guyana.
He said, this year, keen competition is expected since a lot of planning and other logistics were involved.
Anthony also expressed thanks to all the bands and their participants and wished them all the best.
Mr. Russell Lancaster chaired the evening’s programme, which commenced with a musical interlude by students of North Georgetown Primary School playing a number of folk songs before the actual rivalry started.