New York, USA - In an unprecedented address to members of the New York steelpan community, Mr. William R. Howard (more familiarly known as Mr. Bill Howard), president of WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association) - expressed regret over his role in the interruption of the documentation of the annual New York Panorama by When Steel Talks (WST) in 2014. Moreover, Mr. Howard invited the gathering of New York pan people to hold him “personally accountable” going forward. Now in his first year as president of the carnival organization, Howard admitted that errors have been made - but vowed that these errors would not be repeated in the future. He also maintained that the lines of communication between himself and the New York pan community would remain open, and that he was accessible to them.
President of WIADCA William R. Howard addresses members of New York’s pan community
The assembly lasted around ninety-plus minutes (way beyond the anticipated 20-minute interaction) - where Mr. Howard faced the at-times withering attitudes from those present, as they let him know—among other things—that that they found it “unconscionable” that there was no proper documentation of their 2014 panorama performances. He expressed his appreciation of their legitimate concerns, frustrations and even outrage. When pressed as to how he came to the decisions which led to WST not being granted press access - Mr. Howard kept repeating that he received “bad information” leading up to the Panorama, which he had since come to learn on his own, was not credible and inaccurate. This erroneous information and bad advice ultimately resulted in the ‘banning’ of When Steel Talks press coverage.
President of WIADCA William R. Howard addresses members of New York’s pan community
To his credit, Mr. Howard ‘faced the music’ and Pan community by himself, without the presence of any of those biting insects (the pair that whispered ‘bad information’ in his ears) who got him into difficulties overall in the first place. He also took the time to share insights into some of the political and socio-economic issues and ‘players’ that are already impacting, and would potentially further affect - not only the area’s steelband Diaspora, but also the wider Caribbean culture, people and landscape - information which was appreciated by the young artists on hand.
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