The steelpan industry has long centred itself on its music, with less attention given to manufacturing.
Now, with a new pan manufacturing association formed just six months ago comprising various steelpan experts, it is working to shift that focus.
The recently installed Board of the Steelpan Manufacturers’ Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SMATT) is already making strides to unlock the full potential of the global steelpan manufacturing industry, gaining momentum by addressing key challenges in the sector and advancing this multi-billion-dollar industry.
Chairman of the Association, Michael Cooper, believes the local industry holds promise for driving proprietary innovation and delivering broad socio-economic benefits.
“Generate high levels of employment and lucrative career paths for citizens of all backgrounds and critically, maximisation of what is already one of the fastest growing net foreign exchange earners for our country.”
Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Investment and Tourism, Dr. Colin Gosine, noted that a unified, strategic approach to steelpan manufacturing could better position T&T to transform the industry, particularly in areas such as standardisation and quality control. He also expressed the government’s support for developing this industry.
“Let SMATT be the bridge between our nation’s creative spirit and the manufacturing potential, ensuring that every note on Trinidad and Tobago pan be a symbol of pride, professionalism and infinite possibility.”
Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin appealed to Trinbagonians to respect and protect our national instrument.
“It transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, and that same spirit of transformation is what we are celebrating here today, through SMATT, because just as our forefathers turned steel into sound, today, we are turning tradition into an industry.”
The Association’s Board includes respected figures from the steelpan fraternity involved in both its manufacturing and promotion, such as prominent steelpan tuner Augustus Peters and renowned soloist Adrian Jaikaran.