The GBTI Calendar Art Competition, which was resuscitated last year, dates back 15 years ago following the aftermath of 9/11 in the US, which sent shockwaves throughout the world. What could be described as a global catastrophe, touched the hearts of many and no doubt, the hearts of bankers at GBTI. Consequently, this saw the launch of the very first Calendar Competition in 2001 which focused on the topic, “If you had a chance to make a difference in this world today, what would you do?”
This year, the competition saw an overwhelming response in excess of 127 entries of art pieces from all across the width and breadth of Guyana – from Kamarang in the Cuyuni-Mazaruni region to Skeldon, Berbice.
Children ranging from nine to 17 years old submitted art pieces under the theme, “Saving; the Key to a Brighter Future”. The bank decided to keep the theme close to home this year with the key word being “savings” as the bank realises the value in teaching children to save at an early age, as evident with its GBTI’s Early Savers Club Account.
“We at GBTI feel that saving is a habit that must be inculcated by children so that it becomes automatic as they enter the world of work and adulthood and sees savings as an essential skill acquired for balancing life and finances. GBTI cares for our little account holders and I must reiterate that our Early Savers Club Members are offered a myriad of benefits just by being a Club Member. From having their very own Kaieteur Classic Debit Card to discounts from participating merchants across the country, summer camp, annual prize drawings and bursary awards, these are just some of the benefits they enjoy…” Pamela Binda, GBTI’s Public Relations and Marketing Manager, said at the calendar’s launch event.
The seven art pieces were adjudged winners by three judges from the Guyana Women Artists Association. The winners are:
Rasheed Franklin, 16, of Christ Church Secondary, is a talented individual, which is somewhat inborn. His father is a well-known artist who painted the leatherback turtle monument in Kingston, Georgetown, just opposite the Umana Yana – a monument enshrined in the National Trust of Guyana. Rasheed’s drawing depicted an appreciation for finance.
Azalyah Exeter, 10, of Marian Academy, showcased being assured of a bright future as she takes a firm hold on her pink piggy bank in her art piece.
Noel Sukhai, 16, of Anna Regina Multilateral School, was focused on getting his dreams accomplished by acquiring the skill of saving from an early age. Noel’s illustration was explained in the form of a short story that tells of the plight of a young orphaned girl named Cindy.
Omawattie Ramnarain, 16, of St Joseph High School, depicted in her drawing how wealth can be built by saving.
Rena Marshall, 10, of Kamarang Primary School, showed that she can develop her community through saving.
Siddarth Ramessar, 9, of Ermsville Primary School, is the youngest winner this year. He outlined in his illustration how a good education and saving can lead him to his dream job of becoming a Professor of Visual Effects.
This is Aaron Gangadeen, 13, of Skeldon Line Path Secondary School, second time as being a GBTI Calendar Art Competition winner – special honorary mention had to be made. Aaron’s art piece showed a collection of drawings for which someone is thinking about their future plans with savings being at the heart of it all. (Guyana Times Sunday Magzine)
