Pan
Trinbago did Show Resilience
Pan Trinbago did show
resilience, keeping the fires burning, and the
Steel bands Flags flying high in 2008, given the
many challenges that keep threatening its very
survival.
Incorporated by an Act of Parliament, (Act No. 5
of 1986), still, for reasons unknown to Pan
Trinbago, there is no clear understanding or
agreement with those in authority concerning the
rights and entitlements of Pan Trinbago Inc. So,
we keep on imploring in anticipation of our just
dues.
Another highly anticipated and successful
Panorama Competition was concluded at Skinner’s
Park, San Fernando on Carnival Saturday. We saw
Phase 11, Sound Specialists and Pan Elders as
WINNERS in the large, medium and small bands
categories, respectively, for Panorama 2008.
Hearty congratulations are extended to all
concerned.
One week after Carnival, we promoted the new and
innovative Post-Carnival Steel band concert
labeled “Crème de la Crème". This replaced the
Champs in Concert. In fact, the response to this
highly entertaining Concert was so overwhelming
that our Organization received requests for the
hosting of three (3) such Concerts. They were
hosted in Port of Spain, San Fernando, and
Tobago, and received excellent reviews. At
present, overtures are being made to have the
Concert staged in the South Eastern Town of
Mayaro.
The Pan in D 21st Century and Pan Down Memory
Lane Competitions are ever growing Steel band
sensations that continue to make waves and
attract world class attention. This is our tenth
year of hosting these Competitions and, we are
grateful to still have on board, our original
sponsor, The Telecommunications Services of
Trinidad and Tobago. Our gratitude is also
extended to The National Lotteries Control Board
and the National Carnival Commission for their
unstinting support.
Congratulations to the winners Katzenjammers
Steel Orchestra – Tobago Region and Marsicans
Steel Orchestra – Eastern Region for taking top
honors for the Pan in the 21st Century and the
Pan Down Memory Lane, Competitions, respectively
this time around.
Pan Jazz in D Yard in its second year running,
was held at the RBTT Redemption Sound Setters’
spacious Pan Theatre in Bethel, Montgomery, in
the tranquil and serene Sister Isle of Tobago.
This is the big one. For Steel band lovers to
miss this real Jazz Festival held over two
nights, and featuring some of the world’s best
Pan Jazz artists, is to miss a treat. Some
patrons were overheard saying, that they would
rather miss Christmas than miss Pan Jazz in D
Yard in Tobago.
Very Special Thanks to Mrs. Marie Toby, Captain
of the RBTT Redemption Sound Setters Steel
Orchestra, and the dedicated and hard working
members of this organization. They contributed
in no small way to the growing success of this
remarkable event.
Pan Jazz in D Yard is now a fixture on the
calendar of events of Trinidad and Tobago. For
making this possible, we give special Thanks to
the Tobago House of Assembly and the National
Lotteries Control Board for their continued
support.
To you the loyal Pan patrons, lovers,
aficionados who would let us know by your
presence, that we are on the right track we are
also very grateful. Thanks to the many Mothers
and Fathers, and Husbands and Wives and family
in general, who would lend support and
understanding over the many nights of long and
grueling practice?
Our only difficulty as an Organization is, the
air of uncertainty in which we are made to
operate. And this is so because of the lack of
understanding by some influential operatives in
the society, who fail to recognize the rights of
Pan Trinbago as an incorporated body.
Presently, Panists who took part in Panorama
2008 are receiving their cheques from Pan
Trinbago. Special commendation must go to The
Honorable Marlene McDonald, Minister of
Community Development, Culture and Gender
Affairs for keeping her promise to raise the
Panists’ stipend by Six Hundred Dollars, thereby
increasing it from Four Hundred to One Thousand
Dollars. Things seem to be moving forward in
this area. We would also like to gently remind
the Honorable Minister of her promise to further
supplement this amount for 2009, and until we
reach a most reasonable position.
Our organization will continue seeking
betterment, as time marches on.
Michael LeRoi Joseph
Public Relations Officer
Pan Trinbago
The World Governing Body for Steelpan
click here to respond to Mr. Joseph
