Remembering Jomo Wahtuse - Inventor of world’s largest steelpan

by Simeon Sandiford

Global - ....

“Is Calypso a dying art form and why has the Steelpan, created there by master craftsmen in the 20th century, not been officially proclaimed in Parliament to be the national musical instrument of the world’s foremost twin island republic”? Perhaps we need to reflect on the impact of Cultural Industries on the global economy.

Farewell Jomo as you begin your journey across the River Styx today playing ‘Fire Down Below’ composed by Len “Boogsie” Sharpe on one of your inventions, the elliptical pan called the ‘Jomolene’ using your latest creation - a pair of sticks fondly named ‘Thumps’. We all pray that the US utility patent granted to you in May 2020 will be used by your company JW Industries Ltd to supply “blanks” to STGTT members Andy A. Neils, Jimi Phillip and Anthony Duncan among others to enable Trinidad and Tobago to remain at the pinnacle of what has become a fiercely competitive world of steelpan manufacturing.

Story Time with Mr. Sanch – Blueprint for a Sustainable STGTT

By far the most important responsibility for the Steelpan Tuners’ Guild of Trinidad and Tobago (STGTT) is to formulate and implement strategies for succession planning, thereby maintaining its status as being the “Mecca” for premier instruments hand-crafted by highly-skilled artisans. In summary, the birthplace Trinidad and Tobago must always remain and be recognized as the “Epicentre of Pan” in regard to Research and Development, Standardization, Education, Entertainment, and Related Services.

STGTT needs to construct a Website to facilitate online sales by giving access to its members while hosting other pertinent information related to historical facts, pioneers, podcasts, webinars, etc. Such a presence would increase awareness and assist greatly with the implementation of its export marketing plan. @PANMAX PANS, a Facebook Public Group with over 3000 members, established in 2011 and managed by accomplished STGTT member @Andy A Neils, could become the preferred social media platform for interfacing with the Global Pan Fraternity.

With the recent passing of engineer/inventor @Jomo Wahtuse, it behooves STGTT to work closely with his company JW Industries Ltd to manufacture cost-effective ‘blanks’ using Jomo’s patented ‘Hydroforming Press Technology’ as the first stage in the production of standardized steelpan instruments. Jomo was a man of unwavering faith and indeed his soul has been awed by the mercy, magnificence, and majesty of Our Lord.

ASDASO Steel Orchestra - Majesty

Replies

odw December 15, 2020 at 8:43am

Black Stalin Mister Pan Maker
odw December 15, 2020 at 8:40am

Story Time with Mr. Sanch – Blueprint for a Sustainable STGTT

By far the most important responsibility for the Steelpan Tuners’ Guild of Trinidad and Tobago (STGTT) is to formulate and implement strategies for succession planning, thereby maintaining its status as being the “Mecca” for premier instruments hand-crafted by highly-skilled artisans. In summary, the birthplace Trinidad and Tobago must always remain and be recognized as the “Epicentre of Pan” in regard to Research and Development, Standardization, Education, Entertainment, and Related Services.

STGTT needs to construct a Website to facilitate online sales by giving access to its members while hosting other pertinent information related to historical facts, pioneers, podcasts, webinars, etc. Such a presence would increase awareness and assist greatly with the implementation of its export marketing plan. @PANMAX PANS, a Facebook Public Group with over 3000 members, established in 2011 and managed by accomplished STGTT member @Andy A Neils, could become the preferred social media platform for interfacing with the Global Pan Fraternity.

With the recent passing of engineer/inventor @Jomo Wahtuse, it behooves STGTT to work closely with his company JW Industries Ltd to manufacture cost-effective ‘blanks’ using Jomo’s patented ‘Hydroforming Press Technology’ as the first stage in the production of standardized steelpan instruments. Jomo was a man of unwavering faith and indeed his soul has been awed by the mercy, magnificence, and majesty of Our Lord.

ASDASO Steel Orchestra - Majesty
Claude Gonzales December 13, 2020 at 1:07am

I don't think THAT TRINIDAD should ever compare itself WITH JAMAICA -- ON ANY LEVEL!!!

I have been waiting to say this FOR DECADES NOW!!!
odw December 12, 2020 at 4:03pm

UNESCO adds Jamaican Reggae Music to World Heritage List

Bob Marley [One Love] MusicVideo
Claude Gonzales December 10, 2020 at 2:37pm

Andre: "... a fiercely competitive world of steelpan manufacturing."

Something to REALLY THINK ABOUT!!!
Andre-Roger Dellevi December 10, 2020 at 12:12pm

Another champion and soldier went too soon, R.I.P. brother...

This reply was deleted.