-featuring works of several schoolchildren

THE Guyana Bank for Trade & Industry Ltd (GBTI) on Friday announced the winners of its GBTI 2020 Art Calendar competition. The winners were announced at the bank’s Kingston headquarters.

Of the more than 20 schools and more than 70 students who participated in the competition, Bernard Persaud, 13, a student of Marian Academy; Akeera Fowler, 14, a student of Diamond Secondary; Ameena Rampersaud, 16, a student of Christ Church Secondary; Assika Kunath, 13, a student of Tutorial High; Nicole Harris, 14, a student of Annai Secondary; Kessa Dickinson, 10, student of Lowe’s Academy and Marissa Persaud, 12, a student of North Georgetown Secondary, emerged winners.
GBTI’S Chief Executive Officer, Richard Isava, stated that it is often said that the future of any county lies in the schoolbags of the children. He said this quality of work is an example of what is to come to Guyana with or without the oil industry.

He added that while the country has a bright future with oil and gas, that is only one aspect of the equation for development, noting that it is the students’ efforts that will help drive the country to where it is supposed to be in decades to come.
Isava said that in many countries, people forget and ignore the arts, poetry, literature and painting, adding that art creates joy and happiness.

He further stated that GBTI continues as in the past, to be one of the main lenders to the Agricultural sector including rice and sugar, fishery sector and will be a major part of the financial development of the oil and gas industry.

“We need the other subjects but this is art, quality to life. The older people like me have done our part, now we look to the younger generation to carry forward what have been dealt already. We challenge all of you to continue this type endeavour and quality of work, this is what a country needs” Isava encouraged the winners.

Public Relations Marketing Manager, Pamela Binda, stated that this is the competitions’ eight year which is testimony to the fact that the bank believes in charting the road to creativity for the youths of the country.

She pointed out that, “We are more than just banking, we are a strong, deeply rooted family with shared goals and a passion to serve our communities. Our commitment extends way beyond the walls of our branches and is demonstrated every day in the opportunities we provide to young entrepreneurs and students pursuing their dreams.”
She further spoke of the partnerships the bank developed in the private and public sectors, the support, time and commitment given back to communities across Guyana to help nurture talents, culture and tradition and to improve the lives of all Guyanese families and businesses as they perfectly exemplify their tagline.
“We see Guyana through your eyes,” Binda said.