It’s International Youth Day and World Steelpan Month, and what better way to celebrate than with the nation’s youth putting their creativity and talent on full display?
On Tuesday, ‘Pan on D’ Promenade’ brought together young pannists from bands across the country, showcasing not only their musical skills but also their love and pride for the national instrument.
President of Pan Trinbago, Beverley Ramsey-Moore, stressed the importance of youth involvement in the art form.
“In Pan Trinbago, we say that youth is the springtime of life. And in terms of continuum, in terms of taking
the legacy further, we depend on all our young people in the movement to take up the baton from where we have left off.”
She said being involved in pan is transformative and serves as more than just entertainment.
“We ensure that they are well trained, we ensure that they are empowered, and we ensure that we prepare them to live meaningful lives in this society.”
Member of the youth arm of Pan Trinbago, Emmanuel Joseph, said events help to debunk certain narratives about pan.
“Some people still have the notion that steelpan is for older people or steelpan is just for one generation, but we are very, very proud to know that through the Ministry of Education with the Youth Panorama in schools and of course all the many pan in schools programme and of course all the work that Pan Trinbago continues to do. We really want to show that steelpan is in good hands and will remain in good hands through our youth.”
Legendary composer and arranger Len ‘Boogsie’ Sharpe was also in on the action in full support of the Phase II Pan Groove Youth Orchestra. He is calling on the government to invest more into the art form.
“The government, we thank you. Do something for pan. I did that song some years ago. Do something for Pan. This is a national instrument, and people all over the world love our instrument. It’s time, it’s time. I know the government will fix us up. Kamz will do that. She’s a boss.”
A total of ten bands took part in Pan on the Promenade: Youth Edition 2025.