TWO hundred students from six regions have completed the 2026 Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme, gaining practical and theoretical skills in steelpan while being encouraged to develop discipline, teamwork and confidence through music.
The programme, hosted for the 15th consecutive year by Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, ran from July 13 to 24 and engaged students from Regions Two, Four, Five, Six, Nine and Ten.
The initiative forms part of Republic Bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” social investment programme and is aimed at using the arts to provide young people with opportunities for personal development while promoting Guyana’s cultural heritage.
Participants received instruction in the fundamentals of music literacy, chord placement and the performance of simple pieces on the steelpan. The combination of classroom-based learning and practical sessions allowed students to develop both their musical knowledge and performance skills.
Graduation ceremonies were held at the conclusion of each regional camp, with students receiving certificates of participation and demonstrating their newly acquired skills through musical performances.
The Region Four closing ceremony was recently held at the Queen’s College Auditorium in Georgetown.
Addressing the ceremony, Republic Bank (Guyana) Managing Director, Dr Toussant Boyce, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to youth development through the arts.
“At Republic Bank, we’ve always believed in the power of giving young people opportunities that not only teach them a skill but also shape their character and their future,” Boyce said.
He noted that programmes such as Pan Minors extend beyond teaching students to play an instrument, helping to build confidence, discipline and teamwork while developing an appreciation for Guyana’s cultural heritage.
Director of Events at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Andre Tyndall, who delivered the feature address, highlighted the programme’s contribution to preserving and promoting Guyana’s cultural heritage.
Tyndall encouraged the participants to regard the skills acquired during the programme as the beginning of their musical development and urged them to continue practising, learning and seeking opportunities to perform.
He also stressed the importance of sustained partnerships between the public and private sectors in expanding access to the arts and creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents.
Tyndall expressed appreciation to Republic Bank for its longstanding support of the programme and its continued investment in youth and cultural development.
Also attending the Region Four ceremony were Director of the Allied Arts Unit at the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser and the programme’s 2026 Coordinator, Javier Marks.
The Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme was introduced in Guyana in 2010 as part of the bank’s “Power to Make a Difference” social investment initiative.
Over the years, the programme has provided young people with opportunities to develop musical skills while promoting teamwork, discipline and cultural appreciation.
With 200 students participating this year, the initiative continues to provide young Guyanese with structured exposure to the steelpan art form and a platform to develop skills that can support their continued involvement in music and the wider creative sector.
