Grenada,
W.I.
- “Carnival Saturday will be a Pantastic Saturday!” This was the exclamation by GCC’s
(Grenada Carnival Committee) Chairman, Colin Dowe, in responding to the news that the membership of the Grenada Steelband Association (GSA) had given a thumbs-up to the amendments suggested by the GCC to a proposal presented to it by representatives of the executive of the GSA.
The meeting, which was held on Monday, May 31st, saw teams from both sides contemplating ways in which the steelband movement can be best served in 2010, building on the successes of Spicemas 2K9, while at the same time ensuring that the concerns expressed by the steelband fraternity
are addressed and permanent solutions found.
Former president of the GSA, Mr. David Peck Edwards, reinforced the movement’s dedication to steelpan music and carnival. “We are committed to pan,” he
emphasized. “Our current members participate in panorama at great personal sacrifice. Our families, our finances, our health all suffer so we can ensure that steelband remains a part of carnival in Grenada, so we do not want anyone to misinterpret our protest. We just want to see things put right for pan people.”
August 7th
(Pantastic Saturday) will be a night with a difference. The Grenada Carnival Committee and GSA have agreed to reformat the presentation of the sweet sound of steel in 2010 to ensure that it is more inclusive and can drum up even more crowd participation than the record numbers seen at Panorama last year.
Pantastic Saturday presents “A Celebration of the Music of the Black Wizard on Panorama Night.” This competition will see all steelbands playing one (1) song from the vast repertoire of the Black Wizard, who celebrated 40 years in calypso last year. The Association believes that this dedication to one of the stalwarts of Grenadian calypso is in keeping with its commitment and insistence on respect for the cultural icons of the Spice Isle. It will also address one of the perceived major drawbacks to recent panorama events, that is, the unfamiliarity of the songs being played.
Deputy Chair of the GCC, Mrs. Jennifer Woodroffe closed last Monday’s meeting by proclaiming: “Carnival comprises of Mas, Pan and Calypso. Carnival belongs to the people and we must continue to work together to ensure that all of these constituents are satisfied in our delivery of Spicemas for Grenada and Grenadians.”
From the news desk of the Grenada Carnival Committee
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