From the news desk of:: Robert Hernandez
To: Leaders of the Steelband Movement
Steel Pan Players and Supporters.
The recent announcement by the Central Executive Committee of Pan Trinbago that the “2021 Convention & Annual General Meeting Postponement until Further Notice” is not just illegal, but a blatant attempt to trample on the legitimate constitutional rights of ALL Pan Trinbago Member Steelbands in Trinidad and Tobago.
I raise this alarm, speaking on behalf of the conscience of ALL right thinking Steelband Leaders, making it clear that our right to VOTE for a NEW leadership of our organisation every three years is a sacred and non-negotiable right. We must speak up now, and say “NO” to this attempt by the Central Executive who are taking us for granted, thinking that we would lie down and play dead, while they trash us with this foolish reason for violating the constitution and illegally extending their stay in office.
There is still time to stop this abuse of power and let it be known that Pan People are not fools, and we will not tolerate our rights being trampled upon. If this illegal move is left unchallenged, any future President would be free to come up with a lame reason for staying in office, and cite this occurrence as a precedent for taking such action. We must safeguard against that happening in the future, and raise our voices now in opposition.
There are many options available to the Central Executive to conduct the elections by the due date of October 31, 2021. What is absolutely clear is that NO EFFORT was made to find a safe and effective solution to holding our constitutionally due elections. Furthermore, there was no consultation with the membership, rather what we got was an announcement that resembles the behaviour of a Dictator. We must let our President know, in no uncertain terms, that we expect elections will be held and our democratic right to cast a vote at our Triennial meeting this year must be preserved.
Surprisingly, the President was in attendance this morning at Shell Invaders virtual J’ouvert Jab Jab Invasion ZOOM Party. At one point, there were 113 participants, all being able to make a contribution. Let the President know that you are serious about protecting your rights, and you are prepared to take action to preserve the integrity of our organisation.
Yours in Pan
Robert Hernandez
Manager/Delegate
Highlanders Steel Orchestra
Pan Movement for Innovation, Development and National Unity
Replies
No one can "assault" your rights if you do not allow them to do so. If all steelbands were to revoke their membership of PT, then there would be no one who could do as they please with respect to holding on to power / government paid salaries and perks. What comes afterwards is for the panman / pan woman to decide - not any "executive". Of course, a reasonable solution could be the same as in most countries - where the musicians form themselvves into an "associactio/union" that works in the interest of the individual panman / pan woman. It is up to the individual whether he/she wants to be "independent" or to be "misused".
How can this Central Executive Committee make such a decision when the constitution clearly states that the triennial convention must be held between September 1st and October 31st? Is this the new norm? Let's uphold democracy. These details were by no means silent in the constitution. There is no decision to be made by the CEC to postpone the convention, they simple don't have that power. Call the elections and let the body decide if you need more time by re-electing you. It's that simple. The gathering of the body has to make these decisions. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
Mr. Felix: PAN TRINBAGO POLITICS has always TRUMPED THE CONSTITUTION ... so one has to be a little naive to represent that position. I am quite sure that BEVERLEY RAMSEY-MOORE it is not LITERATE ENOUGH to read and and understand and explain that constitution to anyone ... so that should not be the focal point of the discussion.
However, everybody understands the THREE YEAR RULE and that should be the focus of the argument and aggression and the PHYSICAL REMOVAL OF BEVERLEY RAMSEY-MOORE (by the hook or by the crook) from that office more so than any discussion about that POS constitution.
LET US GET HER OUT OF THE OFFICE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!!
After six weeks in office she needed more time. After three years in office she still needs more time. After October 31st she'll have all the time she needs to sit, reflect and retrospect. The steelband fraternity have no time to sit and wait on anyone who needs more time. Pan needs to move forward!!!
I want someone at Pan HQ to explain to me, how exactly Northern Region Pan Trinbago endorses Invaders Virtual Pan J'ouvert, in a Zoom Meeting format; of which the President of PanTrinbago attends; amidst the background of that ultra vires memo dispatched, to suspend the AGM and Convention INDEFINITELY....I taught Northern Region Business is Central Executive Business Ramsey-Moore.
What ent see meh aint pass meh yet. Continue to 'Jango' de Scene....you will meet your Waterloo, by the means necessary. This coming from a delegate who almost hang de last President from his Office window in 2018..while Guard & Emergency watching on downstairs...time long like twine but de longest corrupt, obscure, no accountability road have an end...CarryOn
What a SCENARIO: GREGORY LINDSAY hanging BEVERLEY RAMSEY-MOORE from her OFFICE WINDOW in 2021 and GRIFFITH and ROWLEY and KAMLA and the FIRE BRIGADE rushing to the scene to save BEVERLEY from INSTANT DEATH.
This is like a movie scene from a CLINT EASTWOOD MOVIE -- HANG HER HIGH!!!
More Talk,,
Publish the names of those standing with the President on this issue, together with their phone numbers and addresses (physical and email) and urge all panmen/women to respond non-violently;
It is obvious that action is necessary!
I am so glad to see MR. ROBERT HERNANDEZ standing up to fight this PAN DICTATOR -- when most VOICES are SILENT.
BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY should be the DOMINANT NOTE on which this battle is FOUGHT and WON!!!