... The problem is class. If the steelpan was invented by the African middle class, we would not be having this discussion. Our culture is very class oriented above race. This they inherited from the colonizers and it has not changed to this day. Just like Indians(Hindus) have their caste system, Africans have their class system. It's surprising we got this far. Now steelband is embedded in the culture but at the other end. The lack of empowerment among Africans makes the steelbands and other elements of african culture dependent on government largess since Africans do not have the wealth like other groups who can go to their business people for assistance. An example is Mastahana Baha, an Indian show which was funded by Indian businesses since at that time the pnm government did not give it any financial assistance. Hence Kamaladin Mohammed, even though a pnm minister, couldn't get any money from the pnm to host the show. But, Indian businesses pitched in and the show lasted for decades. All African cultural events are funded by government subsidies. But, steelbands came a long way. By the way, steelband has become a political investment for governments. Making it world class is not on their agenda. If it was then steelbands would be held accountable for taxpayers money. The money pantrinbago receives from the government is to keep the East West corridor because it's the only item that Africans own lock, stock and barell.
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