Bands which placed at the top of the competition, and their supporters, are disappointed that anyone would dare to question the results of the judges.  Those placing in the bottom tier are disappointed that the judges did not award them higher scores and, along with their vocal fans, some have levied unsupported allegations that border on the scandalous and even the ridiculous.

This was my first opportunity to attend the New York Panorama.  Objectively speaking, I found that its accomplishments far outweighed its shortcomings.  It was a celebration of culture and succeeded in its purpose. Nevertheless, I found the sound system to be inferior.  I left with the impression that the technicians had no clue as to how steel is supposed to sound when subjected to amplification technology.  Pantonic, Radoes, Dem Stars, CASYM and Marsicans overcame this obstacle by [their larger size and] the sheer power of their pans.  They played 'around' the sound system while, unfortunately, the other competitors fell victim to the distortions produced by it.  Without a doubt, this influenced the outcome.  Judges must adjudicate based upon what they hear, and nothing else, in a musical competition.  There would be no integrity at all if the judges were to "compensate" bands with points for being adversely impacted by the sound system!

Another clear shortcoming was the inexplicable delay between the published and actual time for the start of the event.  Not even an apology was offered by the officials, demonstrating to me that there was less than full respect for the patrons.  While this matter needs to be addressed, it pales by comparison to more serious concerns that cry out for balm.

As I made the journey from one panyard to the next, to listen to the final practice sessions on the Friday before the competition, I encountered large crowds of irate pan enthusiasts.  I soon became one.  The New York police was silencing band after band on the abominable pretext that complaints were being received about "noise."  To equate steelband music with cacophony is a gross insult to our cultural heritage.  Educational intervention is the only hope for dispelling the ethnocentrism which breeds the prejudices, hostilities and inequities we are made to suffer as Caribbean nationals living in the purported "land of the free." 

If the "melting pot" can accommodate European culture with open arms and minds, then we must demand acceptance of our own on equal terms. Also, in this regard, I believe that steelbands should do more programmatic outreach into the neighborhoods they call home. They must meaningfully and systematically involve these communities and display respect for the people who live there.  They should publish rules to govern the behavior and conduct of panyard visitors.  While most adhere to the standing admonition, "do unto others," some have not been as sagacious.  Littering, urinating on trees and behind parked cars, liming on people's front steps without permission, boozing it up, and making loud bacchanal into the wee hours of the morning, should not be tolerated even under the most festive of circumstances.

These initial housekeeping measures should serve as the precursor to unrelenting political pressure on all levels of government in the City of New York.  We must not cease until we gain respect, recognition and reciprocity for our contributions to American society.

Finally, I am highly optimistic about the future of pan in New York.  All of the steelbands seem dedicated to the quest for excellence.  The tonal quality being achieved by Tuners is sparkling testimony to their genius.  The Arrangers, from the most accomplished to the new on the scene, are boldly experimenting with integrating new expressions, and embellishing upon older ones, into their renditions.  The pannists are fiercely competitive and sharpening their skills in order to get to the holy grail.