Celebration of Women and the Steelpan Art Form
Trinidad and Tobago - In regards to Pan: "
“Let me begin this question by stating that my work in these fields has been locally. The greatest challenges for me however have been psychological.
As a country it is still difficult for those outside of pan to appreciate that we are artistes who have a right to speak up on issues that concern our security, our health, issues of compensation and so forth. This is reflective of potential sponsors in the private sector, hosts in both public and private institutions and of course the thousands of citizens who claim to be 'trinbagonian.'
Steel pan seems to be primarily relevant only at carnival and miscellaneous cultural activities. Outside of that we are yet to treat the development - particularly investment types of activities as urgent or as critical to youth development in areas that are inclusive of education, discipline, financial literacy, and even history. Likewise in the contexts of tourism and even manufacturing/light industry.
However, my next point may prove contentious. The psychology behind pan is also demonstrated by the players. As leaders, we sometimes fail to open gateways for the younger players in the band or we insist on a degree of oppression by not including them in the daily operations and management structure of the band. As such, we see the continued growth of a sub-culture of pannists who are hustlers and have no real interest in pan becoming anything greater than what it exists as today - something quick, frivolous and an escape from possible pressures at home.
When such an environment exists then it should not be a mystery as to why our collective interests are not strategically positioned in policies geared towards people-centered development. ”
” The business of Pan is her business. Panist, PR and Marketing manager, Israel Mcleod of Trinidad and Tobago - in an exclusive interview with When Steel Talks - shares her experiences, intellect, insight and vision for the steelpan art form.
Replies
Good interview as always Amanda Israel McLeod. I had not seen this until 3/20/18 I would not have recognize that photo as being you though. (lol) I am very happy that you are with the band presently.
Commenting on her statement of not including the younger players in the areas of daily operations, we all know that this is done to keep them away from the monetary knowledge of the bands operations, because there are pockets to be filled. Ms Mc Leod, we need people like you to bring the instrument out of the state it seems to have fallen into and into a brighter future as it was meant to be.
The "old people" want to hold on to power at all costs. Absolutely No succession planning. It could be greed, it could be selfishness.
Mrs. McLeod has given me hope, Pan's full potential is achievable, very refreshing and uplifting to read.
Yes, ODW, there are still very bright people in pan. The problem is these gangsters and their buddies who are frustrating the good people like Mrs. McLeod.
I sure wish you were the president of Pantrinbago. Congratulations Ms. McLeod it was great reading this. I'm sure we will be hearing great things from you in the near future.
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