Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited partnered with the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sport to host the Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme for the 15th consecutive years. As part of the Bank’s Power to ‘Make a Difference’ social investment programme, this annual workshop continues to inspire young people while developing discipline, teamwork and confidence. This year the programme ran from July 13 to July 24, 2026 and engaged 200 students from Regions Two, Four, Five, Six, Nine and 10 and saw participants benefitted from both theoretical and practical training in the steel pan art form while learning the fundamentals of reading music, chord placement and performing simple pieces on the steelpan.

Graduation ceremonies were held at the end of each regional camp where participants proudly received their certificates of participation and showcased 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 gathering, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Guyana) Limited Dr Toussant Boyce reaffirmed the Bank’s longstanding 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. Programmes like Pan Minors do more than teach students how to play an instrument, they build confidence, discipline, teamwork and a lifelong appreciation for cultural heritage.” Delivering the feature address. Director of Events at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Andre Tyndall highlighted the important role programmes such as Pan Minors play in preserving and promoting Guyana’s cultural heritage while creating meaningful opportunities for young people to develop their talents. He encouraged the participants to view the skills gained during the programme as the beginning of their musical journey and to continue practicing, learning and taking advantage of opportunities to perform and further develop their craft. Mr Tyndall further underscored the value of sustained partnerships in expanding access to the arts and nurturing the next Guyanese musicians. He expressed appreciation to Republic Bank for its longstanding investment in the programme and its continued support for youth and cultural development. Also attending the ceremony were Director of Allied Arts Unit at the Ministry of Education, Nicholas Fraser, and this year’s Coordinator for the programme, Javier Marks. The Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme was first introduced to Guyana in 2010 as part of the Bank’s ‘Power to Make a Difference’ Social Investment initiative.

Republic Bank remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people, strengthen communities and create opportunities for future generations to learn and succeed.