125 Students Graduate from Pan Programme

BY TYRELL GITTENS:

"Though you may think you know everything, there is more to learn". This was the message shared with graduates of the 2017 Republic Bank Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme by Level 1 Valedictorian, Malaika Ferreira as she joined Level 2 Valedictorian, Romario Peters, on stage.

Peters and Ferreira were just a small representation of the 125 graduates who, today at UWI's Daaga Auditorium, received their certificates of achievement for completing the Republic Bank’s Right Start, Pan Minors Music Literacy Programme. The three-week programme, now in its 22nd year, is an annual effort made possible by the bank’s Power to Make a Difference Social Responsibility Programme.

Speaking at today’s graduation, Chief Coordinator of the Pan Minors programme, Michelle Amoroso, took the opportunity to highlight the benefits of the programme which she noted has resulted in past participants becoming accomplished composers, arrangers and performers.

David Robinson, General Manager of Wealth Management at Republic Bank Limited, applauded participants of the program for their dedication while addressing graduates and their parents. Robison also took the opportunity to commend the parents in the audience for giving their children the support during the duration of the programme and urged them to keep supporting their children’s dream.

He urged participants not waste their efforts as the certificates can boost their qualifications to enter multiple programs at the UWI, in the future, due to its accreditation with the institution. In addition to this, Robinson spoke of the importance the programme holds in preserving and promoting local culture.

Echoing the sentiments of Robinson, Don La Foucade, motivational speaker, urged the graduates to not take opportunities like these too lightly and stressed the importance of having responsibility. In his energic feature address, La Foucade, reminded students of the importance in being responsible and outstanding citizens.

Showing off their versatility on the pan, students of the programme treated audience members to music ranging from Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds” to Fifth Harmony’s “Work from Home” during multiple entertainment segments.

This year’s top Level 1 and Level 2 performers were Nicia Inniss from El Dorado West Secondary School and Fayola Wilkinson from St. Joseph Convent, respectively. Today’s graduation ceremony marked the end of the Trinidad leg of the programme which also ran concurrently with the Tobago leg. The Tobago leg, supervised by Anthony Moore, saw 56 participants bringing the total number of participants in this year’s Republic Bank’s Pan Minors Music Programme to 181.