Minister of Culture and Community Development Michelle Benjamin has assured Pan Trinbago that it will soon see the construction of its headquarters.
The Minister also committed to an increase in remuneration for pannists, improvements in manufacturing, and investment in Junior Panorama.
“I am here to tell the steelpan fraternity and Pan Trinbago that the long-awaited headquarters will be built under my administration. I am here to tell the pan fraternity that manufacturing would be revisited, and a further investment would be placed under my administration.”
Speaking during World Steelpan Day celebrations in Woodford Square on Monday, she remembered the struggle for pan to become the symbol of the nation that it is today.
“We did the ancestral walk, and it is symbolic of the struggle, and it’s good that we remember that struggle. The steelpan itself is a fitting metaphor for the journey of our people, forged from discarded oil drums, but now we shine. We shaped that oil drum, and now we have a beautiful musical instrument recognised by the world.”
President of Pan Trinbago, Beverly Ramsey-Moore, said her organisation will continue to advance and advocate for the instrument and the bodies that are championing its success.
“Pan Trinbago continues to lead the world in the steelpan industry and in the movement. Pan Trinbago continues to offer support to all regional bodies, to all international bodies whenever called upon. We are the root, we are the tree. Pan was born right here behind the bridge, and today it is on a world stage.”
The celebrations in Woodford Square continued with performances from several bands, bringing the historic day to a memorable conclusion.