Site Map * Site Search Events * Pan Global * Message Board * Guest Book * Pan News * Pan Radio * Pan New York * About Us

 

Join Mailing List

 

 

Panorama 2006 Trinidad and Tobago

Date: 01.26.06

Corporate Giant Severs Ties with Panorama Champions
Is it a case of the rich serving the rich? 
 

If video does not auto start click here

TRINIDAD, W.I. - In years gone by, the turbulent past of the steelband movement in Trinidad and Tobago made it advisable for foreign multi-billion dollar corporations doing business in the country to 'lend' assistance or support steelbands as a partial means of reinvesting in the community and very human resources of the nation that was an integral part of their wealth.  In fact, Dr. Eric Williams, known as the 'father of the nation' and its first Prime Minister, made it clear that this course of action was 'highly recommended' to put it politely.

                       PETROTRIN Oil Refinery

Fast-forward to present day; in this oil-rich country, where one of the corporate oil-giants - this one - unbelievably, not foreign-based, but fully government/state-owned - PETROTRIN - (Petroleum Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited) - has  severed ties with reigning world champion steel orchestra, Phase II Pan Groove as they set about defending their 2006 title.  After only two years of being the steelband's sponsor, the corporation took a stance which may be described as dictating policy to the music organization.

Because of this, and egged on in no small measure by repeated requests from the international music community for a cogent explanation as to PETROTRIN's actions, When Steel Talks contacted the office of the corporation's president, and was eventually referred to Manager of Corporate Communications, Arnold Corneal

Corneal explained that Phase II Pan Groove had been just one of some fifteen or so steelbands in different categories that PETROTRIN supports, as the art form and its community are considered 'part of its downstream industry.'  The oil company also wishes to ensure that the National Panorama competition 'is equipped with some of the best bands in the country' declared Corneal, listing Hatters Steel Orchestra and Siparia Deltones as just two of the other steelbands enjoying sponsorship from PETROTRIN.

 Underpinning the relationship between Phase II Pan Groove and the multi-billion dollar state-owned enterprise in part, was "the expectation and understanding that Phase II will represent the organization, PETROTRIN, in a professional manner; and they have done that," stated Corneal.

But asked why the state-owned oil giant withdrew its sponsorship of the champion steel orchestra,  Corneal initially only said there were 'issues'; among them that PETROTRIN had just "recently revised its sponsorship/partnering policies with respect to steelbands - that they "must have a significant developmental component... to ensure the longevity / future of the existence of the steelband."  At this point Corneal declined to elaborate on, or identify in which areas Phase II fell short, but implied that the musical organization had not met their standards or requirements.

Pressed further to identify the components which Phase II Pan Groove did not exemplify, at least in PETROTRIN's view, Corneal twice reiterated his desire to instead 'focus on the positive.'  Finally he admitted information which put the issue of the location of the musical organization, an area which they have occupied for more than thirty years - as the key factor.

 Citing complaints from residents around the panyard, as well as the designation of the land on which Phase II is situated for development, a more practical possibility began to emerge for the split between the two organizations, each a giant in its own right.

The steelband is in the midst of a controversy that has been on-going for more than a year after refusing to move from the place that they have called home for more than a generation.

Imagine the New York Knicks being forced out of the Madison Garden, or the Yankees booted out of their Yankee Stadium home for real estate development.  Or even picture England's Queen Elizabeth and family politely being advised by her government, to relocate from Buckingham Palace, to say, perhaps, Manchester - in the name of development?

Home Construction Limited (HCL) Group of Companies, whose parent company is the CL Financial Group is spear-heading the grand redevelopment initiative.  CL Financial has its genesis in the Colonial Life Insurance Company (Trinidad) Limited (CLICO).  Headed by Lawrence A. Duprey, CL Financial oversees more than sixty companies with business interests in and operating out of countries situated throughout the Caribbean, North, South and Central America and Europe. The financial group reportedly has a portfolio of assets totaling US one billion.

HCL's vision for the area, which includes Phase II's present location, features new high-rises in a development designated 1 Woodbrook Place.  Starlift Steel orchestra who were traditionally housed in the same area, have since been relocated to their new panyard, and construction for the new real estate development is currently underway.

When quizzed about a possible connection between the oil-industry giant and the mega CL Financial Group, Corneal made it clear that PETROTRIN was not serving the interests of the HCL/CL Financial Group of companies.  He did say with both "Phase II, and the Port-of-Spain City Corporation [who cemented the deal with HCL for the space occupied by the steelband] being 'appendages of the state,' that this placed the sponsor in 'a very awkward situation.'   That issue along with other matters, had been communicated to Phase II' over a period of about fifteen months.  Corneal also clearly pointed out that Phase II had been offered alternative accommodation via arrangements made through the City Corporation and the mayor of the city, and he was of the opinion that PETROTRIN had been cooperative in trying to resolve all concerns tabled.

One has to question the position that the corporate sponsor took in not supporting the band's decision to remain in its own community.  The panyard is now a 'must-visit' spot on music lovers' lists once they are in the country for the annual Panorama season.  Phase II's panyard, like others, has become a world-renowned musical landmark steeped in history and attracting hundreds of visitors nightly on an annual basis during the height of the carnival season.

This raises the question in the 'birthplace' of pan: just how important is pan?  When bands are moved out of their communities, the precedent is set for their isolation, and elimination of the reason why people came together in the first place, with music as the bond. 

A social contract is a 'given' in Trinidad and Tobago, between steel orchestras and their communities.  There is a unique understanding of the roles steelbands have played throughout the generations, and a particular relationship between the government and the steelbands themselves.  And this precedent was set by the country's first Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams when he deliberately extended that social contract to private and corporate businesses, as a  type of redress or community accountability.

Has the groundwork laid down by Williams been totally abandoned?  Is this a classic work in progress illustrating the needs of corporate entities to supersede the needs and historical and social rights of steelbands who have tenanted respective areas for decades?

To get a firm grasp of this:  imagine Desperadoes being kicked off the hills of Laventille (many have gone on record noting that the hills of Laventille are the best real estate in Trinidad and Tobago).  Or All Stars being moved out of the place of its birth - Hell's Yard.  It is panorama champs Phase II's turn today - whose turn tomorrow?

It appears to be common sense, especially if the bands themselves do not want to move - that those steelbands which occupy a pivotal place in history, not be strong-armed out of their birth communities, but rather have their panyards designated and maintained as historical landmarks.

Some key steel orchestras which come to mind are situated in the northern region of the island.  In addition to Trinidad All Stars at Hell's Yard, Port-of-Spain and Desperadoes in Laventille, Renegades on Charlotte Street, Port-of-Spain can be added to the endangered-species list.   These may be the most 'at risk' musical organizations because they occupy prime real estate, and it may be only a matter of time before their number is called.

So here is the crucial question:  is there any place for the steelband community in the corporate vision of Trinidad, or in fact any place for 'community' at all?
 

RELATED STORY
Petrotrin Hatters waiting for Pan Theatre to materialise - We tired begging!
 

Click to read opinions  #1  and  #2

When Steel Talks
Basement Press Corp.
©2006 When Steel Talks - All Rights Reserved

2006 Complete Interview List

 

Copyright 2006 -  Basement Recordings, Inc.   All Rights Reserved.

ANY REPRODUCTION, REPRINTING OR COPYING OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS, OR ANY OTHER MATERIAL - AUDIO, VISUAL OR TEXT - FROM THE BASEMENT RECORDINGS/WHEN STEEL TALKS/PANONTHENET WEBSITES, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE MANAGEMENT OF WHEN STEEL TALKS.

 

Share your opinions
Email:
opinions@panonthenet.com

 


 

Click For More On Panorama 2006 In Trinidad and Tobago www.TnT.PanOnTheNet.com

For the best in steelband music Buy your steelband CDs and DVDs here!

 

Let us hear your views   

Click here

More Than An Experience - Pan 4 Life

Make Sure Your Steelband Music and Art Collection Is Complete
 

Catalog.jpg

 

A Pan Story

The History of the Steelband Movement In Pictures As You've Never Seen Before.. 
Capture A Piece of History

Click here to start the journey

Master Clive Bradley
The Greatest Steelband Arranger/Composer Ever As You've Never Heard Him Before!
Click here to start the journey


Capture A Piece of History

 

 

 


Buy your steelband
 CDs and DVDs here!

 

 

Site Map * Site Search Events * Pan Global * Message Board * Guest Book * Pan News * Pan Radio * Pan New York * About Us