The sweet sound of steel returned to the Queen’s Park Savannah on Sunday, as Pan Trinbago, alongside the National Carnival Commission (NCC) and the Ministry of Culture and Community Development, officially launched Panorama 2026.
The pan competition will begin on Wednesday with the Single Pan, Eastern Region category, featuring defending champions San Juan East Side Symphony and runners-up Chord Masters Steel Orchestra.
Pan Trinbago President Beverly Ramsey-Moore acknowledged that while no budget allocation has been received for 2026, the organisation remains focused.
“The bands spoke about our struggle and about our resilience at our last meeting—I think it was last week Tuesday—and because of that they have all agreed to come here and play for free, all that is unfolding here is the goodwill of our members and we decided that we must do this to show the resilience of our steelband people.”
Ms. Ramsey-Moore described the upcoming season as a renewed opportunity for corporate stakeholders to invest meaningfully in Trinidad and Tobago. She stressed that the value of such investments goes beyond economic returns, as it is about empowering at-risk youth and supporting the development of young men and women through culture and community.
“So when you sow, you sow into lives that are going to become empowered, you sow into lives that will not be a statistic here in Trinidad and Tobago. So, although we are having a good time tonight, I want you to also think about the intangibles, which are the development of our youth.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Culture and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, pledged her Ministry’s full support. She reassured the public that the steelpan movement remains in capable hands under the stewardship of Mrs. Ramsey-Moore. She also reaffirmed her Ministry’s unwavering support for culture.
“And I want to say that pan, as the President so rightfully said, is the soul of our community. Our culture is the soul of our community, and when you invest in culture, you invest in community. So that investment by me standing here tonight, no matter what trials I am going through, is my commitment.”
The Single Pan qualifying round begins on November 12th and runs through to November 20th. Bands that advance will compete in the National Single Pan Finals, set to take place at the Queen’s Park Savannah on November 29th.