THE countdown to Guyana’s 50th Independence Anniversary celebrations is on, and both the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) and Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited have made donations, on Friday, to the Ministry of Education’s Department of Culture, Youth and Sports, at the Guyana Racquet Centre on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry, received from GBTI a total of 350 souvenirs and memorabilia, including T-shirts, pens and mugs; while Republic Bank donated $4.5 million towards the steelbands.

Saying that the simple ceremony was very symbolic, Minister Henry has pledged to work towards continuing the partnership with stakeholders. The minister thanked both banks for their respective contributions, and noted that she would be looking forward to the continuing support from stakeholders.

Public Relations and Marketing Manager of GBTI, Pamela Binda, said the GBTI was pleased to partner with the Ministry of Education in such a celebration.

“We are privileged to make this presentation of souvenirs and memorabilia to the Ministry of Education towards Guyana’s Golden Jubilee Independence Celebrations,” she said.

And Managing Director of Republic Bank, Richard Sammy, said that bank was extremely pleased to be associated with the Ministry of Education, and to support Guyana as it celebrates its Golden Jubilee of Independence.