Georgetown, GINA, February 25, 2004

Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manzoor Nadir made a $50,000 donation to the Bartica Secondary School Steel band for gaining first place in the school steel band competition. The band is title the Bartones Steel Orchestra.
He made this donation during a visit to Bartica, Region Seven, for the official flag-raising ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 34th Republic anniversary.
The band performed its winning rendition at the flag-raising ceremony. The steel band was formed in July last. School steel band completions are part of the activities leading up to the Mashramani celebrations.
The finals were held in Georgetown at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, Homestretch Avenue, on February 19.
Minister Nadir noted that it is commendable that the band won the competition, since it was competing for the first time.
Organisations are encouraged to provide financial sponsorship for similar school orchestras for their upkeep and promotion on a national basis.
Each year, schools from all across the country participate in this competition.