Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry on Friday last, handed over $1.5 million worth of musical equipment to Region 10’s Regional Chairman, Renis Morian, as part of an on-going government initiative to develop music education in schools and communities.

According to a press release from the MoE, the items handed over include keyboards, monitors, mixer (s), amplifiers and speakers, guitars, a drum set and microphones.

On receiving the items, Morian spoke of the Regional Democratic Council’s efforts over the past few years to resuscitate interest and support for creative activities in the region. The region has an ongoing programme targeting schools and communities in region 10, and the timely donation will go towards supporting this program.

“For the last five years the RDC has been trying to revive arts and culture activities in the region especially music; hence the request to the Ministry for the items,” the release said.

Also present at Friday’s handing over ceremony was National School of Music Administrator, Andrew Tyndale, who reminded that at one point Region 10 had been the centre for music in Guyana being home to many a local and international performers, adding that he believed the has the necessary skills set to carry out the programme.

“The government’s thrust is to reintroduce music into the school curriculum and into the community by extension…what you see here is the Ministry supporting that commitment so it’s not just talk but talk with action,” he said.

Tyndale charged that the residents make the best use of the equipment.

Activities geared at promoting interest in, and the development of, music are also expected to be done in the other regions in keeping with Government’s mandate to  provide enabling environments and develop every art-form possible nation-wide.

“As we fan out to different parts of the country, our plan is to ensure that each region benefits…some will get the exact same items while others will benefit from different sets of musical items such as steel pans, recorders, etc.,” Tyndal noted.

“The MOE also has on-going training programmes for primary teachers in music. Teachers from all the regions have benefited from, and are continuing to do so even as some have now begun implementing vocal training in the primary schools. A similar programme will be done for city Schools,” the press release said.