Pan Trinbago takes lion's share
Originally printed at http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Pan_Trinbago_takes_lion_s_share-117868769.html
By Stories by Mark PouchetMarch 12, 2011
Pan Trinbago received nearly $25 million of the $45 million prize money allocated by the National Carnival Commission (NCC) for 2011 Carnival festivities.
The $45 million was part of a total $100 million investment by the Government that, according to NCC officials, also included $52 million for the building of the Grand and North Stands at the Queen's Park Savannah in Port of Spain and $3 million for expenses to deal with security services; meals, refreshments and stipends for judges; construction of the vendors' booths; setting up of a Carnival Village; and preparation for all NCC venues.
According to figures presented by NCC's CEO, Clarence Moe, to the Sunday Express, Pan Trinbago received the lion's share of the $45 million— $24,090,000 exactly.
This was followed by the Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation (TUCO), with $6,445,000.
The National Carnival Bands Association (NCBA) got $6,394,500 and the National Carnival Development Foundation (NCDF) was presented with $150,000.
Pan Trinbago president Keith Diaz gave a further breakdown of the Pan Trinbago subvention:
• $12,120,00 prize money
• $5,823,757 for transportation and appearance fees
• $6,080,000 representing the Government-approved $800 remittance for 7,600 registered pan players.
Diaz, whose organisation had an ongoing feud with Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Winston "Gypsy" Peters over the $200 decrease in players' remittance, said the amount still fell short of Pan Trinbago's budget as the local pan organisation subvented the additional $200 per pan player, making payments on par with the 2010 level, at a cost of $1,980,000 to Pan Trinbago.
Diaz also said his organisation had to fork out an additional $2,025,000 (Pan Trinbago had 93 registered conventional bands and 64 single pan bands this year, up from 84 and 61 respectively in 2010) for additional bands that came into the competition after the April 30 Government budget deadline and Pan Trinbago's own annual June deadline for steelbands to indicate interest in participating in the following year's Panorama competitions.
Diaz also estimated Pan Trinbago spent an additional three to four million dollars on handling the accommodation, airfare and other incidental expenses for one large, three medium and one small band from the sister isle. He said the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) had helped with some of those charges, and Pan Trinbago would be writing Government to seek assistance with this cost.
He added Pan Trinbago only charged a ten per cent commission on the prize money, amounting to just over $1.2 million.
"This is a democratically run organisation, and when bands seek redress by going to the general member ship, the highest authority in Pan Trinbago to be included in Panorama, even after the band numbers are submitted in the budget to the Government, we have to go along with the general membership's decision, and that is why there is an increase in the number of bands, which brings with it an increase in what our expenses will be," he said. He gave as an example the St Margaret Super Stars, who applied to be included in Panorama 2011 after the April 30, 2010 budget proposal cut-off date.
Diaz said Pan Trinbago had undertaken initiatives like registered cards for players to ensure proper accountability of taxpayers' money. He said Pan Trinbago was showing maturity in how it conducted its business and was also seeking to streamline its database of players as it seeks a proper health insurance plan to cover its membership.
Replies
Something for Pan
An open letter to the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of Arts and Culture Mr. Winston Peters to host a World Steelpan Musical Performance! The Consulate General to Canada was sent this proposal in 2008. This is for a commemoration and celebration of Trinidad and Tobago on August 31st, 2012, our Golden Jubilee Year of Independence and certainly a historical land-mark for the entire Nation. In 1962 the year of Independence the government did not declare the Steel Pan the National Instrument. Symbolically, the Steelpan is called the National Instrument of Trinidad and Tobago, but is there an Act of Parliament to support this honorable tribute? Let it be more than symbolic.The invention of the Steelpan instrument, created a modern orchestral symphonic sound, utilizing all the necessary musical voices; Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass, also independent of the traditionally known Chamber orchestras. Evidently, this was never done before in the history of musical instruments. The use of the circle of fifths theory into a practical musical instrument is a unique example of the extent of the vision of the pioneers to legendary instruments, simply called Pans. This new and independent symphonic orchestra can perform any written chamber music or classical scores written by the greatest of Composers.
This proposal is also a tribute to our national instrument, along with the commemoration our Golden Jubilee 50th Anniversary of Independence. I propose that on August 31 2012 at 12; 00 PM all Steelbands and Steel Pan Players World-wide gather to perform the official version (key of Ab) of the National Anthem of T&T, as a tribute to the People of Trinidad and Tobago! The Land of the Steel Pan. The spread of Steelpans has many rewards and benefits of our National Instrument and to the country as a whole. How many Great Countries can claim a National instrument?
CMAST. Declares
THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE STEEL PAN INSTRUMENT
All Steelpan players must play the official version of the national Anthem of T&T to Mark our Golden Year of Independence and Celebrate our National Archievements as a Nation. Do not let this opportunity Pass. August 30st 2012 at Midnight, then 12 noon on the 31, lift every panstick and play your Pan. Dont Hesitate, Commorate!
In tribute to the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Trinidad and Tobago! The Land of the Steel Pan. All Steel Pan Players in the World must perform the official version of the National Anthem of T&T written in Ab. This is to raise awareness to the origins of the Steelpan and as a symbol of Freedom and Cultural Expression. The Steel Pan Instrument is as symbolic as the Statue of Liberty. Learn the Anthem Now Panmageddon is coming!!
August 31 2012 @ 12:00 PM..Lift every Pan stick and play!!!
50 years as a Nation with a national musical instrument made in the cycle of fiths calculated since the 6th century BC by Pythagoras.
♪♪2012 is T&T 50th the Golden anniversary. The Only New Orchestra and Orchestral Instrument invented, since the 6th century must be clebrated.♪♪
August 31 2012
All Steelbands and Steelpan Players will positively be sharing a great musical moment with the world. For the 50th year of Independence; the Land of the Steelband.
Alll Steelpan Players must perform the Official Version of National Anthem
4:00 PM T&T Time. Still any time is T&T time.
Bring every Steelpan and play, lift every pan stick and play!
Let All SteelPan Voices be Heard! Everywhere there's Pan!
The Steelpan Instrument has become the Musical Symbol of our Freedom of Expression and an Icon as the Statue of Liberty in the Free World.
SPREAD THE MESSAGE!
Panmageddon
World Steel Pan Performance in Trinidad 31st August 2012, the playing of the Official version of the National Anthem in Woodford Square. Lets Lift every Pan Stick and Play.
After Carnival, What? - Pan Trinbago is celebrating its 75th diamond jubilee of the steel pan. Carnival is over the Goverment spend $25 million tax payers dollars to stage Panorama 2011.
What next between now and 2012 Panorama - just chill out and spend another $25 million tax payers dollars.
Think about Gypsy statement is "Panorama really killing pan"?