State-of-the-art steelpan school in the pipeline

The Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme was wrapped up on Friday with some 200 participants receiving their certificates at the Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown.
As customary, this year’s programme was made possible through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport and Republic Bank Limited.
During the closing ceremony, Culture, Youth and Sport Minister Charles Ramson Jr highlighted Government’s continuous investments in the steelpan industry to create talented and prominent players throughout the nation.
“This is an investment that the Government of Guyana has made in you, and I’m going to make a commitment on behalf of the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport that the groups who shared their talents today will be playing at the next event the ministry hosts that is appropriate for your talents to be showcased…You all will be compensated for your talent,” Ramson is quoted as saying in a DPI report.
According to the sport minister, Government has tripled its investment in the steelpan industry in order to allow more persons to participate in the art.
As part of Cricket Carnival events, Government would be adding these new steelpan talents to the schedule, allowing them to have a feel of the big stage. A state-of-the-art steelpan school for teaching and competition purposes would also soon be designed.
Apart from engaging in steelpan activities, participants have been able to build life-lasting bonds and friendships.