His Excellency Wade Mark, Acting President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, has issued a statement celebrating World Steelpan Day, describing the steelpan as one of the country’s most treasured gifts to the world and a powerful expression of national identity.
“On the occasion of World Steelpan Day, I join the national community in celebrating the steelpan, our national musical instrument and one of Trinidad and Tobago’s most treasured gifts to the world,” Mark said in the statement, issued Tuesday, August 11.
The Acting President described the steelpan as far more than a musical innovation, noting that it was born out of the creativity, resilience and determination of the country’s people. From the panyards of Trinidad and Tobago, he said, its distinctive sound has travelled across continents, carrying the nation’s name with pride.
Mark congratulated Pan Trinbago, its President Mrs. Beverley Ramsey-Moore, and her executive for their continued leadership of the steelpan movement, commending their efforts to involve young people in shaping its future.
“In the hands of our youth rests not only the preservation of a proud legacy, but the promise of its continued evolution across performance, composition, manufacturing, technology, education and entrepreneurship,” he said.
The Acting President paid tribute to the pioneers of the steelpan movement, naming Winston “Spree” Simon, Ellie Mannette, Anthony Williams, Bertie Marshall, Rudolph Charles, Neville Jules, Sterling Betancourt, George “Sonny” Goddard, Pat Bishop, Merle Albino-de Cote, Clive Bradley, Robert Greenidge, Ken “Professor” Philmore and Dr. Jit Samaroo, whose vision, he said, transformed an instrument once marginalised into one now studied, performed and celebrated across the globe.
He also saluted the living legends who continue to enrich the art form, including Len “Boogsie” Sharpe, Ray Holman, Amrit Samaroo, Dane Gulston and Liam Teague, along with the many tuners, arrangers, composers, educators and pannists who sustain the movement.
Mark congratulated the local pan fraternity for keeping the steelpan vibrant throughout the year, particularly those steelbands and practitioners who fly the country’s flag on international stages. He also issued a challenge to the fraternity to deepen its involvement in schools.
“Every child in Trinidad and Tobago should have the opportunity to experience the instrument and understand the struggle, sacrifice and innovation that brought it into being,” he said.
Closing his statement, the acting President said the future of the steelpan belongs to all citizens. On behalf of the people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on his own behalf, he wished Pan Trinbago and every steelband, pannist, tuner, arranger, educator and supporter at home and throughout the diaspora, a proud and inspiring World Steelpan Day.
“May the voice of the steelpan continue to resonate across the world, carrying with it the creativity, resilience and indomitable spirit of our people,” he said.