The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Power Company has donated musical instruments to the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s Urban Renewal Marching Band in Grand Bahama, strengthening the programme as it continues to expand.

The presentation marks one of the largest instrument donations to date by a corporate citizen to the local band. Assistant Commissioner of Police Robert Goodman, newly appointed police chief for Grand Bahama and the northern Bahamas, was present.

ASP Lee Capron, officer in charge of Police Urban Renewal, praised GB Power for supporting the band and encouraged other corporate citizens to follow suit.

“It’s a great day for the marching band, and it’s a great day for corporate social responsibility,” ASP Capron said.

He said the band was formed in August and has already made the community proud through its performances and commitment to regular practices.

ASP Capron commended parents for supporting the young musicians, thanking them for ensuring that their children attend practices, arrive on time and remain involved in the programme.

He said the band has the potential to represent Grand Bahama at competitions and other events and called on the public for its continued support.

Mr Capron said the band initially received approximately 100 uniforms but now has about 150 members, creating an additional need for corporate assistance.

“We’re going to need that help, that support. So, I am also reaching out to corporate Grand Bahama, corporate Bahamas to join us in assisting this band," he said.

Mr Grant, a representative of Urban Renewal, described the contribution as a transformative investment in young people and thanked GB Power and others involved in supporting the programme.

The representative said investments in programmes such as the marching band can have a lasting impact on children and their future.

He also highlighted the educational opportunities that can emerge from musical development, pointing to his own family’s experience with the trumpet.

“I saw my son got a 100% scholarship because of how well he played the trumpet,” he said.

Mr Grant said he hopes members of the Grand Bahama Urban Renewal Marching Band will also use their musical abilities to pursue educational opportunities locally and abroad.

He stressed that participation in a marching band provides young people with more than musical skills, teaching discipline and other qualities that can benefit them throughout their lives.

“Marching Band is a very serious thing. It teaches them discipline. It teaches them There's a whole plethora of things that they learn through this marching band, and so I want us to continue to encourage them,” he said.

The donation was described as the largest gift of instruments received by the programme to date.

The Urban Renewal representative also issued a challenge to other businesses and corporate citizens to support the band.